Peters pays up but MPs claim he's not in the clear

Winston Peters

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has paid the $40,000 in court costs he owed Tauranga's National MP Bob Clarkson.

But MPs claimed yesterday that he still owed others for legal fees.

Last month, the High Court at Tauranga ruled that Mr Peters should pay $40,000 in costs to Mr Clarkson.

This followed Mr Peters losing an electoral petition against Mr Clarkson after claiming the National MP exceeded election expense limits.

Mr Peters had argued that Mr Clarkson overspent by more than $100,000 during the election campaign, when the limit was $20,000.

Mr Clarkson's lawyers sought costs of around $60,000 from Mr Peters for the "frivolous" court action.

Mr Clarkson told Parliament yesterday that Mr Peters had paid the $40,000.

This information came after a stoush in Parliament during which it was claimed Mr Peters owed money to other MPs. It started during question time when Mr Peters and Act leader Rodney Hide had an exchange on the sidelines.

Mr Hide said Mr Peters had been explaining that he had paid the $40,000 to Mr Clarkson "but I understand he hasn't; I was just checking it out".

Mr Peters said that unlike Mr Hide and his party, "I pay up my debts if they are so found to be".

National MP David Carter was quickly on his feet: "Winston Peters since 2004 has owed me for my legal fees. I'm still waiting."

Mr Peters replied that if that was true, Mr Carter would have a cause for action.

"He doesn't because I'm still suing him and he's trying to stop the case from going to court," Mr Peters said.

Mr Hide added that if former Act MP Ken Shirley was still in Parliament, he would want people to know he was also owed money by Mr Peters for his legal bills.

Mr Peters said he was also suing Mr Shirley.

Mr Clarkson later rose to set the record straight: "I've just received a letter a few minutes ago. The Right Honourable Winston Peters has paid up. It generally says that he's righted his wrong."

- NZPA