Evidence of Corruption a National Scandal
Internet Party leader Laila Harré will take evidence of corruption to international forums if there is not a full Royal
Commission to investigate the growing evidence of the systematic use and abuse of democratic institutions and processes
for political gain.
Today a former senior counsel to the Customs Department turned whistleblower after being instructed to withhold
information for political reasons.
Ombudsman Dave Beverley Wakem has confirmed that evidence of this nature is emerging more widely, saying: “The
Ombudsman's relationship with the government service was based on trust. Without that, we're all in trouble. We may as
well kiss democracy goodbye.”
“This situation is extremely serious,” said Ms Harré.
“There is no other word but ‘corruption’ to describe these claims.
“Unless a new government moves rapidly to establish a Royal Commission I will be taking all this evidence to appropriate
international forums. The claims are in breach of Commonwealth values of governance, and that is where I will start.
“The United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which has primarily been invoked on matters of financial corruption,
contains broad provisions which may also apply to political corruption of this nature.
“Make no mistake, this is our Watergate.
“John Key is now juggling so many scandals he cannot keep track of them.
“If New Zealand does not resign him on Saturday there is no remaining doubt that he will be gone before the end of next
year.
“Any government he leads will be wracked with controversy and instability.”
ENDS