KEY POINTS:
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is keeping tight-lipped after leaked emails cast doubt on his denials that billionaire Owen Glenn made a large donation to the party.
But at least one New Zealand First MP has expressed concern that the renewed controversy could harm the party in the run-up to the election.
Emails between Glenn and PR man Steve Fisher, published in yesterday's Weekend Herald, indicate Glenn gave money to the party. They were reportedly sent in February when Monaco-based Glenn was in New Zealand to open a building named after him at the University of Auckland's business school.
Peters has always denied the party received money from Glenn, the Labour Party's biggest donor.
When contacted by the Herald on Sunday, Peters said he had nothing to add to the statement released by his press secretary to the Weekend Herald. In that statement he reiterated Glenn had not given the party money.
The controversy has come at an awkward time for the party as it prepares for the election.
"It's not a good look - if it's true," said list MP Pita Paraone. "But no one knows if it's true. There's only two people who know and you should speak to them."
Deputy leader Peter Brown also denied all knowledge of the donation. "I've never met Owen Glenn and I'm not aware of him giving anything to the party. If anybody had given such a significant donation, I am certain it would have leaked out before."
Asked if it damaged Peters' credibility, Brown said he tended to believe Peters. "I deal with Winston on a close and friendly level and I believe him."
Party president George Groombridge said he knew nothing about the donation. He did not believe the row would damage the party, but said Peters would not be happy about it. "He really gets upset about the way the media always try to rip him to bits."
