Four Southland district councillors said they had never heard of Mr Zhang before yesterday. In a letter to Mr Zhang and another person earlier this year, released under the Official Information Act, Mr Tong said he welcomed Mr Zhang as an informal business adviser. In return, Mr Tong presented Mr Zhang with two legs of fresh lamb from his lifestyle block, and four live crayfish from a fishing trip, and also hosted Mr Zhang and another person in Southland. Speaking yesterday afternoon, Mr Tong said no money had changed hands between Mr Zhang and the Southland District Council. Mr Tong said he had been in contact with Mr Zhang yesterday, through the businessman's advisers.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 16, 2018 15:45 UTC