ACT asks Auditor-General to investigate Manea decision

ACT Leader David Seymour has written to the Auditor-General to ask him to inquire into Shane Jones’ role in approving the grant of $4.6 million to the Manea Footprints of Kupe Cultural Heritage and Education Centre.

“Shane Jones has failed to conduct himself in a manner appropriate for a Minister responsible for $3 billion of taxpayer money, says Mr Seymour.

“Ministers must be impartial, open and transparent, and act with the utmost integrity when spending public money.

“As ACT revealed this morning, Jones played a key role in helping to provide $4.6 million to an organisation he was to chair before becoming a NZ First MP. He then tried to cover his tracks in answers to written parliamentary questions.

“The Provincial Growth Fund is a $3 billion fund. There is significant public interest in the way that it operates. The public needs to be assured that such money is being managed appropriately.

“I hope the Auditor-General will investigate this very serious matter.”