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Scoop Links: Wrap of John Banks Coverage


John Banks...The Story So Far

The Banks-Dotcom controversy continues, raising ever stronger questions. Here is the story so far.

John Banks in Parliament

Parliament Today on YouTube
Trevor Mallard questions to John Banks in the House. 30 April, 2012

New Zealand Herald: Banks Briefed Dotcom on Land Application
John Banks says he kept political donor Kim Dotcom briefed on the progress of his application to buy 45 hectares of Kiwi land for $45 million.
The statement has been backed by Dotcom - but Mr Banks' "good friend", Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson, denies any information came from him.

More>>

Banks Admits He “Obfuscated” Relationship with Kim Dotcom
The Dominion Post reports:Cabinet minister John Banks has admitted he was not "up front" over his relationship with Kim Dotcom because of legal advice.

ACT leader Banks dodged questions for days after allegations surfaced last week about donations to his mayoralty campaign from the Megaupload millionaire. He finally fronted up to reporters at Parliament yesterday and admitted he "obfuscated" on advice from his lawyers.

More>>

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TVNZ reports: An under-pressure John Banks says he regrets following legal advice he received last week to avoid answering questions about donations made to to his 2010 Auckland mayoralty campaign.
Police are investigating claims that Banks knew about a donation from Kim Dotcom and a $15,000 donation from SkyCity to his 2010 Auckland mayoralty campaign, but declared them as anonymous.

More>>

3 News reports:
John Banks declared two $25,000 dollar contributions for his mayoral campaign from the internet tycoon as anonymous, and then lobbied the Government to allow MegaUpload founder Kim Dotcom to buy property.

Mr Banks says his lawyer told him to keep his lips sealed on the matter which in hindsight has led the public to think he is “obfuscating”.

Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/Banks-regrets-legal-advice-to-stay-silent/tabid/1607/articleID/252558/Default.aspx#ixzz1terRLtrl

3 News Video:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Banks-regrets-legal-advice-to-stay-silent/tabid/370/articleID/252558/Default.aspx

Denial: Paul Holmes, John Banks Transcript on Auckland.Scoop

Auckland.Scoop: Paul Holmes Asks John Banks – Did You Know DotCom Was Giving You The Money?

PAUL Did you ask for it to be two cheques because you could make it anonymous? And if you were there and you declared that donation anonymous, you’re dead meat, aren’t you, because that was illegal.

JOHN I think you think I came up the river on a cabbage boat. I can tell you that when I signed my declaration for the mayoralty I signed it in good faith in the knowledge as a Justice of the Peace as true and correct. I have nothing to fear and nothing to hide and I welcome the inquiry and everything will come out in the wash, Mr Holmes. More>>

3 News Video: John Banks’ Failure of Recollection: http://www.3news.co.nz/What-the-documents-say-about-Dotcoms-donation/tabid/367/articleID/252414/Default.aspx

ENDS

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