Taito Phillip Field hearing begins

Taito Phillip Field in court today. Photo / Getty Images

A hearing to decide whether Mangere MP Taito Phillip Field should face bribery, corruption and obstructing justice charges began in Auckland this morning.

Field appeared in Manukau District Court today for the start of the depositions hearing into 40 charges he faces.

He faces 15 bribery and corruption charges alleging he allowed several Thai nationals whom he was helping with immigration issues to work on seven of his properties for little payment other than the costs of materials between November 2002 and October 2005.

He also faces 25 charges alleging he attempted to obstruct or pervert the course of justice during an inquiry into the corruption allegations held by Noel Ingram QC.

Prosecutor Simon Moore outlined the Crown case this morning in an address beset by technical delays.

He said more than 30 witnesses were likely to give oral evidence.

The hearing was adjourned after the prosecution opening until April 14.
The full hearing is expected to take three weeks.

- NZPA