3 October 2008

Former Chief Executive accepts criticism

Former Department of Labour Chief Executive James Buwalda said he accepts the findings of a State Services Commission investigation into conflict of interest matters involving Mary Anne Thompson, the former head of Immigration New Zealand.

“The State Services Commission investigation finds that I did not deal with the issues in a timely or effective fashion and that my dealings with Ms Thompson were too informal and lenient given her conduct,” said Dr Buwalda.

“With the benefit of hindsight I should have undertaken a more thorough investigation of Ms Thompson’s involvement in immigration matters regarding her family.

“I am pleased that Mr Shanks in his report emphasises the professionalism and integrity of the many staff he dealt with in the course of his investigation. However I am also deeply disappointed that Ms Thompson’s actions have cast a shadow over the integrity of the Immigration New Zealand staff.

“My trust in Ms Thompson and the assurances she provided to me were misplaced. I got it wrong and I regret that I didn’t deal more effectively and formally with Ms Thompson,” said Dr Buwalda

ENDS

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