Donna Awatere Huata Not Credible

"I have been informed by the media that disgraced MP Donna Awatere-Huata is the source of allegations against the ACT Parliamentary staff," ACT Leader Richard Prebble said today.

"Mrs Huata is not a credible source, especially about any matter involving money. Her claims are simply not true and she is unable to produce any evidence. I do find it interesting that Mrs Huata is not prepared to make any public statements about her own use of public money, but apparently feels free to throw mud at her former colleagues.

"Mrs Huata did say at the time of her suspension that she would make these claims. I've ignored her for two reasons. Firstly, I don't believe in blackmail. And secondly, ACT's parliamentary spending is totally legitimate.

I understand from the media that Mrs Huata has made the following allegations:

1. She received a warning prior to the last election.

2. The Hawkes Bay electorate office was closed after the election.

3. MPs were unhappy.

4. The Auditor General should be called in.

1. "It is correct that Mrs Huata received a warning from myself and from the Party president that if she was not prepared to meet the principles and rules of ACT, she would not be re-selected.

2. It is also correct that the decision was made to close the Hawkes Bay electorate office, but this was done with her full support, on the basis that it was not as efficient as a pooled electorate office.

3. "Mrs Huata never once complained about staffing arrangements before she was suspended as an ACT MP, and to do so now is simply not credible.

4. "I note with some amazement her suggestion that the Auditor General should be called in, and suggest to Mrs Huata that when she is next being questioned by that office with regard to the Pipi Foundation, that she should feel free to raise the matter," Mr Prebble said.

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