Taxpayer Funded Groups Need More Transparency

Reacting to the serious allegations reported in today’s New Zealand Herald about theTe Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust, Jordan Williams, Executive Director of theTaxpayers’ Union, says:

“It appears that a whistle blower has leaked material which support allegations even more serious than those at the Te Kohanga Reo National Trust. Unfortunately, like the Kohanga Reo, it’s hard for the public and the media to find out more, because of the secrecy of these groups."

“Unlike government agencies, these groups are not required to comply with the Official Information Act. This means that too often taxpayer money disappears into a void."

"Too often there is little transparency and accountability when taxpayer money and trusts come together. The only opportunity to see even a fraction of what really goes on is when someone leaks documents, as appears to be the case here.”

“We are only going to see these kinds of accusations, time and time again. We call on the Government to commit to reform of the Official Information Act so that it covers these sorts of groups."

ENDS

© Scoop Media