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New Zealand First MPs are expected to receive legal advice today on whether they should mount a challenge to the Auditor-General's report on illegal election spending.
NZ First deputy leader Peter Brown said one or two lawyers were expected to be present at the party's caucus meeting in Wellington.
MPs had opened discussion on the issue last week and decided it would be best to hear directly from lawyers looking into the issue.
Auditor-General Kevin Brady found parties illegally spent almost $1.2 million at the last election.
All those that broke the rules, except NZ First, have either paid back the money or promised to do so.
NZ First has said it has the money to repay its alleged $158,000 overspending but wants first to be convinced there is a sound legal basis for doing so.
The party has not ruled out mounting a legal challenge to Mr Brady's report if independent legal advice supports that.
Mr Brown said even if MPs formed a position today on what course of action they supported, they would need to first consult with party president Dail Jones before making a final decision.
Last week the Green Party paid back $87,000 of unlawful spending, but co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the party still doubted Mr Brady's conclusions.
The party is the fourth to do so, with National last year paying back about $11,000, the Maori Party $53 and ACT $16,000.
Ms Fitzsimons said it was important the rules were clarified before the next election.
The cross-party Parliamentary Service Commission is looking at proposals to do that.
- NZPA
