9 October 2012

PM’s Office Was Aware of Dotcom in July Last Year

The Prime Minister’s office knew about Kim Dotcom’s application to buy his Helensville-mansion in July 2011 according to evidence unearthed by New Zealand First.

The Prime Minister confirmed in reply to a written question from New Zealand First that his office knew about Dotcom in July last year.

“In July 2011 one of my staff was advised by Hon Simon Power's office by phone that Hon Power was declining an OIO [Overseas Investment Office] application from Kim Dotcom.

“This information was not conveyed to me as it was routine,” Mr Key said in his written reply.

Rt Hon Winston Peters says the continual emergence of new evidence suggests the Prime Minister knew of Dotcom much earlier than January 19, 2012 – the date Mr Key claims he first became aware of his existence.

“How long can the Prime Minister continue to deny that he knew of Kim Dotcom before January 19 this year?

“His senior ministers knew of Dotcom, his Helensville electorate office knew of Dotcom, and now it emerges that the Prime Minister’s office also knew of Dotcom.”

Mr Peters says it is hard to fathom how Mr Key can claim that he didn’t need to know about Dotcom’s application to buy a mansion in his own Helensville electorate because it was “routine”.

“Routine is about the last word you’d use when it comes to describing anything to do with Dotcom. Love him or hate him, he is a larger than life figure.

“And why would Mr Power relay the information to the Prime Minister’s office if it wasn’t for the consumption of the Prime Minister?

“Mr Key’s involvement in the whole fiasco stinks like a sweaty Hobbit’s armpit in summer,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

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