Review of former Chairman's expenses completed

Independent review of former Chairman's expenses completed

TVNZ Acting Chairman Craig Boyce today announced that the independent probity review into the expenses of former TVNZ Chairman Ross Armstrong had been completed.

Conducted by KPMG, the review examined expenses incurred by Ross Armstrong on TVNZ related business in the 16 months ended 30 October 2002.

The KPMG report stated "As a result of our review of the transactions and responses to our queries, we do not find evidence of actual or improper behavior by Dr Armstrong, except for the claiming of seven items which have been identified as personal expenses."

These items, totaling $1032.47 were earlier identified as personal in the review, conducted on 7 November 2002 by TVNZ's Chief Financial Officer and repaid by Dr Armstrong.

The KPMG report stated that of the total expenses of $50,657 incurred by Dr Armstrong during the period, "there are no other items, which we consider, should be similarly categorised and we do not believe that the level of expenses claimed by Dr Armstrong would be considered excessive in light of his position and responsibilities at TVNZ."

With respect to Dr Armstrong's entertaining, the report stated, "We reviewed both the quantum and nature of the entertainment expenses for which Dr Armstrong sought reimbursement. We would not consider the level of expense claimed was wasteful, excessive or inappropriate."

The TVNZ Board has consulted with Dr Armstrong regarding the contents of the KPMG report and he has concurred with its findings.

Mr Boyce said that he hoped the commissioning and release of the independent KPMG report would finally resolve this matter.

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