Peters denies Lusk has worked for him
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters rejects claims that political consultant Simon Lusk has worked for him, or the party.
“He’s worked for members of the Labour Party, he’s worked for members of the National Party, but he has not worked for me, or New Zealand First,” Peters said.
His NZ First colleague Shane Jones confirmed Lusk attended two fundraising events at the Wellington and Auckland offices of law firm Russell McVeagh. The $350-a-head events, on October 31 and November 4, were billed as an evening of dinner and politics with Peters and his caucus.
“He has been to two events,” Jones said yesterday, before confirming he was referring to the Russell McVeagh dinners.
“I presume that he had come as part of the crowd, wanting to hear news of New Zealand First.
“I’ve got no commercial relationship, advisorial relationship with Simon and I don’t know of any other member of the caucus who has.”
Jones said he had “never, ever, had any relationship with Simon. I obviously know Simon from the days of yore. I met him through [Police Minister Stuart] Stu Nash”, Jones said.
NZ First MP Ron Mark appeared not to have heard of Lusk: “No, I don’t know Simon Luxton. Lusk. No.”
It is understood NZ First MP Clayton Mitchell has used Lusk’s services. He could not be reached for comment.
Lusk also did not respond to requests for comment.
NZ First president Lester Gray, who initially told the Herald he would research whether the party had used Lusk’s services, could not be reached later. Jones said Lusk was not involved in brokering any deal between NZ First and ousted National MP Jami-Lee Ross to cast his proxy vote while Ross remained on medical leave.