The Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says he did not snort, or pretend to snort, fake cocaine at a primary school fundraiser at the weekend.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Mr Coleman says he attended the Las Vegas-themed fundraiser for Northcote Primary School at the weekend because his children go to the school.

But Dr Coleman said he was unaware there was fake cocaine at the fundraiser - believed to be icing sugar - or that parents were playing with it.

He was asked today if he had snorted, or pretended to snort, the fake cocaine.

"'Course I didn't. I didn't even know it was there, until I heard it was in the media yesterday. It's a small detail. Look, honestly, this is such a beat-up."

Mr Coleman said $30,000 was raised for the school.

One parent who was at the fundraiser told RNZ there were several fake cocaine props at the party and thought everyone there would have been aware of them.