PM to ask ministers about NZ First MP's approach to National MP

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and NZ First leader Winston Peters at the launch of the Provincial Growth Fund. Photo / Focus

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she will ask ministers today whether any had spoken to NZ First MP Jenny Marcroft about an approach to National MP Mark Mitchell over the $1 billion regional fund.

Mitchell has claimed Marcroft told him to pull out of a group for the Mahurangi River Restoration Project in Rodney and stop questioning Regional Development Minister Shane Jones about the fund or it would not get funding from the Provincial Growth Fund.

Mitchell claimed Marcroft told him a minister had sent her to talk to him – but NZ First leader Winston Peters said Mitchell's account was "a misunderstanding" for which Marcroft later apologised and has denied any NZ First ministers were involved.

Ardern told Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB this morning she would ask ministers about it.

"I'll be seeking assurances today from those ministers that that is the case but otherwise it becomes a he-said, she-said situation."

She said the Provincial Growth Fund was funding numerous projects identified by the former National Government. "This is not a political fund. That's something I will be very keenly ensuring remains the case."

She said she took Peters at his word when he said it was a misunderstanding and no NZ First ministers were involved.

"If ministers are saying to me they issued no instruction I have no reason to disbelieve that. I have an absolute expectation that, as all parties involved in Government, each leader does their best to make sure they maintain a high standard and I'm sure Minister Peters will be doing that too."

Ardern said dealing with Marcroft was Peters' job. "I find it challenging enough to make sure I keep control and oversight of my own party and my own ministers. That's where my jurisdiction sits."