Auditor-General asked to investigate over donation to Shane Jones' election campaign

Newshub can reveal NZ First is facing other questions about a donation made to its former MP Shane Jones when he was in charge of the Provincial Growth Fund.

In July 2019 Nelson shipbuilder Aimex started talks to get some of the $1 billion fund. A month later, Aimex donated $5000 to Shane Jones' election campaign. One year later, Aimex received a $9.8 million loan approved by four ministers including Jones who did not recuse himself.

"We have written to the Auditor-General to look into what has gone on," ACT leader David Seymour said.

"Any suggestion that a small political donation influences the allocation of money is - as I said - nappy politics from the ACT Party," countered Jones.

Aimex has not responded to Newshub's request for comment. Jones said he didn't remember the donation.