17 Feb 2012

Chinese consulate met with OIO staff

5:31 am on 17 February 2012

Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson has confirmed Chinese consulate staff met with Overseas Investment Office (OIO) officials in August 2011.

Green Party leader Russel Norman asked the Minister if that caused him any concern as the office is the regulator which provides recommendations on purchasing applications from foreign buyers.

The Government is awaiting a fresh OIO recommendation on the bid from the China-based Shanghai Pengxin group which the High Court says has to be reconsidered.

Mr Williamson told Parliament the bid for the 16 Crafar farms was not discussed specifically at the August 2011 meeting.

He says Cheng Lei from the Chinese consulate was given a general briefing on New Zealand's overseas investment rules.