Auckland millionaire Donghua Liu will stand trial on domestic abuse charges today.
The Chinese businessman has been at the centre of political controversy, causing headaches for both National and Labour over donations.
Liu is accused of assaulting his ex-wife and her mother in 2013. He will face a judge-only trial.
Liu initially pleaded guilty to domestic violence, but later changed his plea to not guilty.
The case led to the resignation of former National minister Maurice Williamson in May last year, after it was revealed he had contacted police following Liu's arrest.
Liu has previously been convicted of breaching the Resource Management Act, been linked to a Chinese bribery scandal and in 2013 hosted Prime Minister John Key for dinner at his home.
3 News
source: newshub archive
