3rd September 2002

Taxpayer Assets Flogged Off As Minister Dithers

Five cars paid for by the taxpayer have been sold by a controversial Northland social service agency, and other assets may also be at risk, says Whangarei MP Phil Heatley.

Mr Heatley has tabled evidence in Parliament today showing that five cars belonging to the Te Hou Ora Te Tai Tokerau Trust (THOTT) have been sold to private buyers, with no indication of where the money has gone.

"The Minister has to stop wasting time with a soft arbitration process and reclaim the assets. His job is to protect taxpayer money but he is failing badly.

"The Northland District Health Board was able to reclaim their assets - why is it so hard for Steve Maharey?" said Mr Heatley.

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