Police will not be charging the Prime Minister over a painting she signed, despite finding there could be a prima facie case of forgery.
The Police Commissioner has revealed the decision after a two month inquiry.
Helen Clark has been under investigation after a Wellington man laid a complaint about the 1999 incident which came to light when a newspaper revealed an Auckland man bought the painting for $1,000 at a charity event, believing Clark had done it.
Rob Robinson says police were guided by advice from the solicitor general, who argued strongly against prosecution, despite agreeing there was a prima facie case against Clark and one of her staff.
Robinson says all the parties were motivated by wanting to help a charity, there was no evidence of anyone gaining financially, and none of those involved realised the seriousness of their action.
He refused to answer any questions after making his statement.
The Prime Minister says the decision not to charge her does not send a signal that there is one set of rules for her and one for others.
Clark says she has already apologised for what was an error of judgement.
National Party leader Bill English says the police did a thorough job and he accepts the decision.
But English says Clark did not accept responsibility for her actions soon enough and tried to suggest this sort of thing happens often.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the whole issue is trivial and the decision not to prosecute may well be correct, but the Prime Minister Helen Clark should have known better.
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