Minor political party ACT is at the centre of a controversy involving New Zealand's largest private sector union.
The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union is calling on the Asian Anti-Crime Group to reveal the extent of its relationship with ACT.
The EPMU this week sacked ACT candidate Shawn Tan, who is also an adviser for the anti-crime group, citing irrevocable damage to the employment relationship.
It has now released e-mails showing that Mr Tan offered to garner votes from the group in exchange for a place on the party's list.
EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says both ACT and the Asian Anti-Crime Group appear to have been manipulated by Mr Tan.
A spokesperson for the Asian Anti-Crime Group, Peter Low, says his organisation is independent and not associated with the ACT party.