Katherine Rich MP National Party Social Services Spokeswoman

30 November 2004

Government must follow police lead on trust

National Party Social Services spokeswoman Katherine Rich says the Government must follow the police lead, and launch a proper probe into the activities of the Manukau Outrigger Canoeing Whare Nui Trust.

She is commenting after the police today confirmed criminal charges have been laid against a 45-year-old Trust member from Mangere. The man is due to appear in court tomorrow.

"Rick Barker and George Hawkins are curiously silent on what their departments are doing to make sure taxpayer money was spent appropriately by this trust.

"The Ministers should be instructing the Department of Internal Affairs to investigate how Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS) and Lotteries Commission funding has been used.

"Police will undoubtedly examine some areas of the trust's operation, but the only way the public can be assured that taxpayer money isn't being misused is by way of a thorough inquiry," says Mrs Rich.

ENDS

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