Response to NZ Herald article

29 October 2002

Allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Fisheries have been thoroughly examined by the Serious Fraud Office and a barrister instructed by the Solicitor-General, with neither finding any grounds for further investigation, Ministry of Fisheries Chief Executive Warwick Tuck said today.

Mr Tuck said the examination had included the affidavits mentioned by the NZ Herald today.

Mr Tuck said he had noted the comment in the NZ Herald of a substantial payout to a former Fishery Officer. The article referred to staff of the former Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and related to the early 1990s, before the Ministry of Fisheries was established in 1995.

"My initial reaction is that I would be surprised if there was any truth in the claimed payout of close to $1 million," Mr Tuck said.

Ends

For inquiries please contact:

Alan Meek
Communications Manager
Ministry of Fisheries
04 494 2369