Wellington, Nov 22 NZPA - Auckland millionaire Yang Liu, wanted by Chinese authorities over alleged financial fraud, was granted New Zealand citizenship in August despite officials' advice to decline his application.

National's Pansy Wong is the latest MP to confirm helping Auckland millionaire Yang Liu get New Zealand citizenship. Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker confirmed on Friday that Mr Liu was being investigated for possible immigration fraud.

National Party leader John Key said today he had met Auckland businessman Yang Liu, the subject of questions about his residency and citizenship. He also said Mr Liu had made an unsolicited donation of $5000 to National before the last election.

Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker has taken the unusual step of issuing a statement which relates to a report to be published in a weekly newspaper tomorrow.