Prime Minister John Key has given one of his ministers a telling off after claims of a conflict of interest.
Internal Affairs Minister Richard Worth founded the Indian Trade Group seven-years-ago, in an effort to promote trade between India and New Zealand.
But today he resigned his position as its chairman, after questions were raised about a recent trip to the Punjab region.
"I've now become concerned about perceptions of conflicts of interest because there's an assertion that I apparently stood at a meeting and made comments in my role as internal affairs," Mr Worth says. "That is completely wrong."
Mr Worth, who was paid for the six-day trip, admits speaking at several meetings and being introduced as the Internal Affairs Minister. However he says that was something out of his control
Mr Worth spoke in India about the aviation industry and the advantages of studying in New Zealand.
The questions were raised as Mr Worth is the director of a company that has links to an aviation school.
"I think the comments are unfair because there is no conflict of interest, no personal gain for me in any of this," Mr Worth says. "It's a continuation of something I strongly believe in."
Mr Worth advised Mr Key of his trip before leaving, but the Prime Minister says he was not clear enough, and if had known about what it involved he would not have approved it.
Labour says it will be asking for more details this week, but as far as Mr Key is concerned, Mr Worth is on notice.
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