The Labour Party has dismissed reports it received a $15,000 donation from wealthy Auckland businessman Donghua Liu.
David Cunliffe. Photo: RNZ
Mr Liu was at the centre of a controversy which led to the resignation of Maurice Williamson as a minister, and Labour has criticised the National Party's links to him.
The New Zealand Herald has reported that Mr Liu paid $15,000 for a book signed by the then Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark in 2007.
But Labour leader David Cunliffe said on Monday there appears to be no substance to the claim.
"We've asked our party head office to go through all the donation records from way back when, and I can confirm that at this stage, I'm advised there are no records of any such donations from Donghua Liu."
Mr Cunliffe told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report on Tuesday the party had found no evidence to support the claim of a donation but he has asked for extra checks, and Ms Clark and former Labour president Mike Williams will be asked about the matter.
