Labourer tells court promised visa for Field work

A Thai labourer was told he would be allowed to legally work in New Zealand if he worked on a house of MP Taito Phillip Field in Samoa, a depositions hearing has been told.

Sunan Siriwan was giving evidence at Manukau District Court hearing to decide whether Field will stand trial on 15 bribery and corruption charges and 25 charges of perverting the course of justice.

Mr Siriwan told the hearing through an interpreter that he was informed he would be able to return to New Zealand legally if he did tiling work in Samoa on Field's house, Radio New Zealand reported.

He said the offer was made at Field's house. He said he was told a work permit in Samoa would be arranged if he gave Field his passport.

The depositions hearing is now into its fourth week. It is expected to continue for at least another week.

- NZPA