Peters Asks Sfo To Investigate Act

New Zealand First leader Rt Hon Winston Peters is asking the Serious Fraud Office to investigate the use of public funds to pay rent for an electorate office in a property owned by the Prebble family’s company.

Mr Peters has already written to the Auditor-General twice asking his office to investigate matters relating to Act’s staffing arrangements and the rental paid.

According to newspaper reports, the sum of $6,000 was paid to the family company in rent for a period leading up to August 2002.

Mr Peters said that in one report Mr Prebble was alleged to have said the money went to party coffers but another report denied this.

“The issue is what happened to $6,000 of taxpayer funds? If the money was not used for the purpose intended, the legality is questionable and the money should be refunded.

“This whole issue of political job creation and electorate office staffing creates the impression of a political scam that stretches the bounds of credibility.

“It would be appropriate for the Serious Fraud Office to investigate the rent finances even though there is probably not a huge sum involved. It is the principle of the issue and the status of those involved that requires the SFO investigation,” said Mr Peters.

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