MEDIA RELEASE
17 October 2002
Heads Roll Over Financial Concerns
Christian Heritage Party Executive in Turmoil
Ongoing concerns about the administration of the Christian Heritage Party’s finances have caused the resignations of two
National Executive Members in the past week.
The departure of the two Graham Capill loyalists has left many in the Party even more concerned about the lack of
financial accountability within the organisation.
First to go was Mr Keith Burgess, a member of the Party Finance Committee for 12 years. His involvement in the
administration of the CHP finances has come under scrutiny since the election, and it is widely believed that he was
asked to resign by Party Leader Graham Capill. His departure means that the CHP Finance Committee now has only one
member left: Mr Capill.
This week National Secretary John Bryant resigned his position suddenly. Mr Bryant was a member of the Party for nearly
ten years, and was a former Deputy Leader and Executive Director. He attends church with Mr Capill in Christchurch, and
has been regarded as one of Mr Capill’s staunchest supporters.
Mr Bryant’s resignation has left Christian Heritage in the embarrassing position of not having a Party Secretary to sign
its Election Expenditure Return to the Electoral Commission, due in next month.
In recent weeks, Mr Capill and Head Office have been beset by calls for greater financial accountability. Several
Electorate Committees and Candidates have indicated that it is no longer acceptable that Head Office bans them from
having local bank accounts, and have expressed doubt over financial reports generated by Head Office.
The shock resignation of two of Graham Capill’s closest friends is seen to be a direct result of an unprecedented level
of tough questioning from disgruntled members and candidates, but their sacrifice is unlikely to be enough to prevent
further questioning of the party finances.
The National Executive has been advised that several members are considering their legal options if satisfactory answers
are not forthcoming.
Further information: Adam Owens 025 6700 376 or 06 377 4579