Surprise at tiler's bid to return to NZ

National MP Lockwood Smith doubts the Thai tiler at the centre of allegations against a Labour MP has any chance of being allowed back into New Zealand.

The Labour Department last night confirmed to the Herald that Sunan Siriwan had applied for work permits for himself and his wife Aumporn Phanngarm, a deported overstayer.

Mr Siriwan was allegedly sent to Samoa to tile Taito Phillip Field's house for little pay while the MP helped him apply for a permit to work in New Zealand.

Dr Smith said he was surprised Mr Siriwan thought he had "any chance" of coming back.

"Obviously any application has to be considered on its own merit but you'll note that the current minister told Parliament on the 26th of July ... that Damien O'Connor reversed his decision.

"Relying on that letter, if we believe the current minister, is not going to give Mr Siriwan a high chance."

Dr Smith said the family had a poor track record with Mr Siriwan overstaying for eight years and working illegally and his wife for five. They had failed to gain admittance after claiming refugee status.

Mr Siriwan's lawyer Olinda Woodroffe told National Radio today that Mr Siriwan was relying on a letter written by then Associate Immigration Minister Damien O'Connor in his support.

"Suffice to say that the letter invited them to apply to come to New Zealand and gave assurance that should they apply they would be eligible to come," Ms Woodroffe said today.

Immigration Minister David Cunliffe has since told Parliament Mr O'Connor's approval was reversed after allegations came to light.

Mr Field told National Radio he understood the family did not want to return to New Zealand -- a comment Dr Smith said invited speculation the MP did not want the family to come back.

"I've no doubt if he (Mr Siriwan) was questioned by police they would find what he has to say interesting," he said.

"It's quite clear Noel Ingram (head of an inquiry into allegations around Mr Field) was unable to get to the bottom of what actually went on."

Police are investigating allegations around Mr Field.

A report by Dr Ingram into various allegations did not find a conflict of interest in Mr Field's behaviour as a minister but said his judgment was questionable.

Police have considered the report and are also looking at new allegations, which include claims Mr Field took money from his constituents when he helped them and ordered a birth certificate to be altered for a visa application.

Mr Field maintains he is innocent.

- NZPA