Hon Bill English
National Education Spokesperson
21 June 2004
English welcomes CPIT inquiry
National's Education spokesman, Bill English, welcomes the Auditor-General's inquiry into conflicts of interest at
Christchurch Polytech Institute of Technology (CPIT).
CPIT's Cool-IT programme generated more than $15 million for the polytech.
"The taxpayer has an interest in whether or not there is any truth to allegations that the programme generated
considerable private benefit for polytech employees," says Mr English.
CPIT's Director of Development is also a shareholder and director of Brylton Software, which produced and marketed the
Cool-IT software.
Brylton Software received payment of more than $5 million from CPIT.
"This gives the appearance of a conflict of interest," says Mr English.
"Government officials were first made aware of the potential for conflict of interest in November last year but Steve
Maharey, Minister for Tertiary Education, dismissed the allegations and took no action.
"But the Auditor-General clearly sees grounds for an investigation.
"The commercial arrangements and private interests associated with this programme must be exposed so CPIT can get on
with the business of providing quality education," says Mr English.
Ends