Chief Executive responds to allegations

14 May 2002

The Chief Executive of the Ministry of Fisheries, Warwick Tuck, today responded to serious allegations relating to corruption in the administration of our fisheries management system.

"I take these allegations very seriously, as they undermine the integrity of fisheries management in New Zealand, the staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and the public service as a whole."

"I am seeking to obtain affidavits and other material relating to the allegations. I expect to receive this material later this week."

"I will then instruct the Solicitor-General to undertake an initial review and analysis in order to advise me on the nature of the allegations and on what steps, if any, I should take to further investigate or deal with them."

"My highest priority is to maintain the confidence of fishery stakeholders and the general public in our world-class fisheries management system and in the people who administer the system."

Mr Tuck said that the allegations implicated two senior members of his staff. They strongly refute the allegations. "As Chief Executive, I have responsibilities in relation to my employees. I want to ensure that they are treated fairly."

"I will be making no further comment at this time" Mr Tuck concluded.