INDEPENDENT NEWS

Auditor General says no case to answer

Published: Fri 25 Aug 2006 03:33 PM
25 August 2006
Auditor General says no case to answer
Central Plains Water Limited welcomes the decision by the Office of the Auditor General not to hold an inquiry into allegations of conflicts of interest by Central Plains Water Trustees.
Commenting on the Auditor General’s response to complainants, Central Plains Water Trust Chairman Doug Marsh says, “The Auditor General’s letter clearly vindicates the Trustees who have been unfairly targeted by sustained attack from critics of the scheme.
“We are very happy to debate the scheme on its merits and we continue to consult closely with the community about any concerns they have. However, we will not willingly stand by and listen to ill-informed judgements on the conduct of the Company and the Trust, especially when it undermines the potential for realising so many benefits for Canterbury as a whole,” Mr Marsh says.
“The Office of the Auditor General says it is not inconsistent for a Director or Trustee to be on both Boards ‘especially if that other role gives them specialised knowledge that would be useful to contribute. This may be seen as legitimate and mutually beneficial.’
“The letter also found that there were ‘no indications that the Minister [of the Environment] has not complied with his statutory obligations’ when he awarded the company requiring authority status for the scheme,” says Doug Marsh.
“We wholeheartedly agree with the Auditor General’s office and urge people who still have concerns to submit them firstly to Central Plains Water Limited and then, if they are not satisfied, through the resource consent process.
“Submissions for the water take and use applications before Environment Canterbury have closed, but land use applications before Selwyn District Council are yet to be notified. A joint hearing is now expected to take place early next year, “says Mr Marsh.
-ENDS-

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media