December 14, 2022
Mahuta cleared of conflict allegation
Cabinet Minister Nanaia Mahuta is welcoming a report from Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes clearing her of conflicts of interest in contracts awarded to companies associated with her husband and other whanau members.
Mr Hughes found no evidence of favouritism, bias, or undue influence over agency decisions in relation to Ka Awatea Services Ltd and Kawai Catalyst Ltd, but he said government agencies need to tighten controls around identifying and managing conflicts of interest.
Ms Mahuta requested the Inquiry in September after allegations of nepotism.
“I declared conflicts of interest. They were managed in accordance with the Cabinet Manual, and the report highlights there was no favouritism, bias or undue influence attributed to any minister in the way contracts were dealt with,” she says.
Mr Hughes looked at contracts with Kāinga Ora, the Ministry for the Environment, the Department of Conservation and Te Puni Kokiri.