A barrister acting for Winston Peters says he has given the Serious Fraud Office information which exonerates his client.
The foreign affairs minister on Friday stood aside from his ministerial duties while the SFO investigates donations to the New Zealand First Party by Sir Robert Jones and the Vela brothers.
On Saturday morning, Peter Williams QC said a half hour meeting at the Serious Fraud Office in Auckland was cordial and he has confidence in the SFO. He said he was not told how long the inquiry will take, but he believes it will be over quickly.
However, Mr Williams was scathing of what he described as a "witchhunt" of his client and a "feeding frenzy" by people with vested interests.
He said Prime Minister Helen Clark has handled the matter with dignity and serenity, but criticised National Party leader John Key and ACT leader Rodney Hide for making hasty judgments.
Mr Williams said he gave the SFO information that shows all the money involved in the accusations against New Zealand First was paid into the appropriate accounts.
Miss Clark has taken over Mr Peters' ministerial portfolios. She says Mr Peters will be reinstated as Foreign Affairs Minister if the Serious Fraud Office clears him.
The Serious Fraud Office says it will not comment about ongoing inquiries.
Separate investigations
The Serious Fraud Office announced on Thursday it will look into accusations that donations to New Zealand First from Sir Robert and the Vela family did not reach their intended destination.
In addition, the Privileges Committee has invited Mr Peters, Brian Henry QC and expatriate businessman Owen Glenn to give evidence next week.
The committee is considering whether Mr Peters should have declared a $100,000 donation from Mr Glenn towards legal bills in 2005.
The committee is expected to hold a closed three-hour session on Thursday morning.
Miss Clark said on Thursday that Mr Glenn told her in February that the New Zealand First leader had approached him for money.
Comments by Cullen
Deputy prime minister Michael Cullen says National Party leader John Key is being unfair by refusing to work with Mr Peters even if he is cleared of any wrongdoing over donations to him and New Zealand First.
Dr Cullen says New Zealanders believe in fair play and natural justice and Mr Key is rushing to judge Mr Peters.
He says this shows Mr Key has no respect for fair legal process.
