Field: I've done nothing wrong

Taito Phillip Field has faced calls to quit as an MP. File picture / Nigel Marple

Embattled Labour MP Taito Phillip Field says he has done nothing illegal and intends to remain as Labour MP for Mangere.

Mr Field said he had never taken bribes, had official documents altered, or asked for cheap labour in return for services.

Many of the recent allegations had already been investigated and he had nothing to conceal, Mr Field said.

"I have nothing to hide and would again co-operate fully with any appropriate investigation. I should not, however, be expected to keep responding to unsubstantiated accusations through the media," Mr Field said in a statement.

The MP said he had made "mistakes" but was innocent of any criminal or fraudulent wrongdoing.

"Media have been speculating about my future. My future is clear. I intend to continue as the Labour MP for Mangere. The Prime Minister has not asked me to resign, and we agreed that if anyone has any real evidence of wrong doing they should take it to the police," Mr Field said.

His defiant statement came despite one of the largest unions affiliated to the Labour Party today withdrawing its support for him.

Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union National Secretary Andrew Little said the MP, who has faced months of allegations of improper conduct, should resign.

Mr Little said the MP had failed to explain himself in public and it was deeply distressing that a man formerly connected to the union movement should conduct himself in such a way.

He said MPs were in a position of integrity and trust and had to be above suspicion. If the Labour MP chose not to resign over the Noel Ingram Report, his future candidacy for his Mangere seat could be blocked in any nomination process.

Union clout could help sway the numbers against him.

The Herald reported today that the Pacific Island wing of the Labour Party has also lost confidence in Mr Field.

He was at Parliament yesterday but did not go to the party's caucus meeting or the debating chamber. Instead, he remained in his office for most of the day.

Allegations against him have centred on his dealings with immigrants seeking to come to New Zealand.

The Ingram report cleared Mr Field of conflict of interest as a minister but raised other questions about his judgment and left some allegations unresolved.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB, NZHERALD STAFF