The former Government minister, who resigned this morning following Herald revelations that he made the phone call, said that he "in no way was he looking to interfere" with the criminal case against Donghua Liu but just wanted to "make sure somebody had reviewed the matter to ensure we were on solid ground as Mr Liu is investing a lot of money in New Zealand", according to Inspector Gary Davey.
Mr Williamson, who is still the MP for Pakuranga, originally contacted Superintendent John Tims - the district commander for Counties Manukau - about a family violence incident involving Liu in December who referred the inquiry to his Auckland counterpart Superintendent Mike Clement on January 20.
Mr Clement tasked Mr Davey to follow up the request. He said the case would be reviewed and he would come back to them to "determine how we respond to MP Williamson".
A week later, Mr Tims asked Mr Davey to ring Mr Williamson.
In the police emails released to the Herald under the Official Information Act this morning, Mr Davey told the two district commanders that he phoned Mr Williamson on January 28.
"He started by saying that in no way was he looking to interfere with the process, he just wanted to make sure somebody had reviewed the matter to ensure we were on solid ground as Mr Liu is investing a lot of money in New Zealand."
Mr Davey said he told Mr Williamson that the criminal case was reviewed by the senior sergeant in charge of family violence cases, as well as the police prosecution team.
"I told him it was ultimately up to Prosecutions to decide whether they would continue with the case."
Mr Davey said he told Mr Williamson that the police would carry on with the prosecution.
"I also explained the wider responsibility of police to pursue these matters [redacted] . I told Mr Williamson that the best advice he can give Mr Liu is to have him seek good legal advice. The conversation was polite and professional on both sides and he appeared to be accepting of the police position.
"I will leave the matter there unless I hear otherwise."
Prime Minister John Key accepted Mr Williamson's resignation this morning.
"I have been made aware that Mr Williamson contacted police some time ago regarding their investigation of Mr Donghua Liu," Mr Key said in a statement.
"Mr Williamson has assured me that he did not in any way intend to influence the police investigation.
"However, Mr Williamson's decision to discuss the investigation with police was a significant error of judgement.
"The independence of police investigations is a fundamental part of our country's legal framework.
"Mr Williamson's actions have been very unwise as they have the potential to bring that independence into question.
"I have advised the Governor-General to accept Mr Williamson's resignation as a minister."
Mr Key said he would appoint a new minister early next week.
There is no indication yet that Mr Williamson will retire as an MP. He has already been re-selected as National's candidate for Pakuranga.
In the meantime, Nick Smith would take over the Building and Construction portfolio, Nathan Guy would take the Land Information portfolio, and Simon Bridges would take the Customs and Statistics
Mr Williamson has held the Pakuranga electorate seat since 1987. He is the Minister for Customs, Building and Construction, Statistics, and Land Information and has previously held the Transport, Science and Technology, Broadcasting and Communications portfolios.
Mr Williamson was at his home in Pakuranga this morning. A man who answered the door referred all questions to Mr Williamson's press secretary.
"He is (home) but he's really busy, you will have to go through his press secretary".
All blinds in the house were drawn and there were several cars parked in the driveway.
Mr Williamson has previously lobbied ministerial colleagues to grant New Zealand citizenship to Liu against official advice and also asked Prime Minister John Key to open a hotel as the first stage of an ambitious project to rejuvenate the derelict site in Newmarket.
The proposed $70 million project later stalled after Liu unsuccessfully lobbied the Government to relax business immigration rules for wealthy foreigners, a bid also supported by Mr Williamson.
How it unfolded
2010: Businessman Donghua Liu granted NZ citizenship by Nathan Guy, the then Minister of Internal Affairs, against official advice after being lobbied by Maurice Williamson, Minister of Building and Construction, and John Banks, the Auckland Mayor at the time.
2011: Mr Williamson and Prime Minister John Key attend the opening of the first stage of Mr Liu's $70 million redevelopment in Newmarket, Auckland 2012: Roncon Pacific Hotel Management Holdings Ltd - of which Mr Liu is a director - makes a $22,000 donation to the National Party.
2013: Liu charged with assault with intent to injure and male assaults female. Mr Williamson rings a senior police officer in Auckland.
2014: Liu pleads guilty to both charges.
- By Jared Savage of the New Zealand Herald
