Police are now investigating New Zealand Racing Board Chairperson Glenda Hughes over her role in the Todd Barclay saga.

Police re-opened their investigation after it emerged Barclay had secretly recorded one of his staff members, Glenys Dickson.

It was widely reported at the time that Ms Dickson claimed to have been contacted by Ms Hughes, who allegedly told her that a police complaint would only cause problems for the National Government. Ms Hughes also allegedly said if Ms Dickson withdrew the complaint, police would not have a case.

The latest information emerged in an Official Information Act (OIA) request from the Green Party to police.

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei, who received the OIA request, calls it a significant development.