KEY POINTS:
Lord Michael Ashcroft has pumped millions of dollars into right-wing political parties but says he has never given a cent to the National Party here.
Lord Ashcroft met Prime Minister John Key yesterday, where discussions included the Conservative Party and British politics.
Lord Ashcroft is caught up in a donations controversy in the UK, whose Electoral Commission is investigating the legality of millions of dollars given to the Conservatives via one of his companies.
Lord Ashcroft said the allegations were "part of the rough and tumble of politics - but it is very kind of you to be concerned".
Asked if he had ever donated to National here, Lord Ashcroft said it was not possible under New Zealand electoral law, "but on the other hand neither have I offered".
"I have never ever donated to the National Party here at all."
Lord Ashcroft said he had not offered other services such as consulting either.
"I'm afraid I'm fairly busy in the UK on that particular subject and its not my business to do consulting services."
Lord Ashcroft is ranked 65th on the Sunday Times rich list with an estimated wealth of 1.1 billion ($3 billion).
Lord Ashcroft is deputy chairman of the Conservatives and closely involved in its election strategy.
In 2004, he donated A$1 million ($1.27 million) to the John Howard-led Liberal Party in Australia.
Lord Ashcroft also visited Mr Key at his home before last year's election.
Lord Ashcroft is in New Zealand to help establish a Crimestoppers tip-off line such as the one he set up in Britain. He discussed the concept with Police Commissioner Howard Broad yesterday.
Crimestoppers is a charity run independently of the police that operates a hotline 24/7 and sometimes pays rewards.
Lord Ashcroft said police wanted it and the business community were also interested.
The British peer put $200,000 towards the reward that led to the return of 96 medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum.
