The Story...
At the 2005 Election, New Zealand First over-spent by $158,000. As it turned out, all parties had over-spent. However, from the time that this came to light, Winston Peters has adamantly refused to pay back the amount owing. That is theft.
In December 2007, NZ First donated $158,000 to charity Starship Children's Hospital. This was an attempt to avoid paying the money to the tax-payer. It was also a cunningly devised publicity stunt. Shortly after this, Starship returned the gift. Though they desperately needed funding, they were not prepared to accept "dirty money".
It's now 2008, and even though all the other parties have paid back* the amount they overspent, Winston Peters insists that he will not return the money to the tax-payer.
On 1 April 2008, Peters confirmed that NZ First had begun disbursing the money and said a full list would be provided once the process was completed.
That's ridiculous. The money is owed to the Government (the tax-payer). Why should Winston be above the law?
