Hon Chris Carter
Minister for Building Issues

27 July 2005 Media Statement

WHRS party claims to be investigated and dealt with

Claims the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) has held four themed parties at the taxpayers expense will be investigated and dealt with, Building Issues Minister Chris Carter said today.

"It appears one of the parties named by Nick Smith in Parliament today was the WHRS's Christmas party," Mr Carter said.

"Another party, the so-called Sound of Music party, cost roughly $2000. No-one was flown down from Auckland specifically for it as alleged by Nick Smith, although it appears some Auckland staff were in Wellington for another reason," Mr Carter said.

"The WHRS clearly has some explaining to do. I will get to the bottom of what occurred with these parties, why they took place, and how much they cost. If the situation with all four parties is as alleged, it is completely unacceptable.

"I have already initiated a review of the WHRS after I took over responsibility for it on July 1. Details of this review will be outlined to the owners of leaky homes on Friday, and made public after that," Mr Carter said.

ENDS

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