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Post by muzled on Jun 11, 2024 8:40:25 GMT 12
They'll be shit scared of being booted off the gravy train. Average senior salary now over half a million. Oink oink, this taxpayer money tastes real far king good eh boys and girls...š·š·š· www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2024/06/the_growing_and_profitable_tamihere_empire.htmlThe growing and profitable Tamihere Empire Have gone through the annual accounts of the Te WhĆ£nau O Waipareira Trust Group (consists of two trusts and six companies). Hereās some key extracts: Income Surplus Net Assets Av senior salary2020 $56m $5m $49m $200k 2021 $57m $7m $57m $260k 2022 $73m $12m $69m $290k 2023 $72m $16m $84m $511k
So from 2020 to 2023 income increased 29%. However the surplus increased 220%. The net assets grew by 71% and the average salary to top charitable executives increased 155%. What is remarkable is that they are running a $16 million surplus/profit on turnover of $72 million. Thatās a level of profitability many commercial businesses would love to achieve, let alone a charity. Now good on them for being so profitable, so they can use their surplus to help more charitable causes. But it does make you wonder if the Government is getting value for money for its contracts, considering the huge level of surplus achieved.
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Post by eri on Jun 11, 2024 13:38:34 GMT 12
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Post by muzled on Jun 11, 2024 19:58:26 GMT 12
The latest from Bryce.
Of course JT screaming racism, that was about as certain as the sun rising in the east.
But if he's so sure of himself as patron saint of purity, he should be the one calling for the Auditor General and SFO to lead the investigation.
Or maybe we could start a new thread of pigs might fly.
Willie also blathers on about National having donors but seems to forget the difference between private donors and tax payer funded organisations...
All the inquiries into the Te PÄti MÄori allegations
BRYCE EDWARDS
JUN 11
Four official investigations are now underway about the use of government resources by Te Pati MÄori and other MÄori organisations in the electorate of Tamaki Makaurau. The Government has asked the Public Service Commission to initiate its own inquiry, specifically about the involvement of government departments in the scandal.
The Public Service Commission joins the Police, the Privacy Commissioner and Stats NZ, all of whom have launched their own formal investigations. Ideally, the Police will be investigating the electoral law allegations, the Privacy Commissioner will explore how the private data of individuals was allegedly abused across different agencies, Statistics NZ will investigate the Census operations in Tamaki Makaurau, and the Public Service Commission will investigate the alleged failings of a multitude of other government departments in their contracts with various MÄori social services providers.
But will these be enough, or is there still a need for a broader and more independent inquiry? There are good reasons to be sceptical about whether these state agencies will deliver robust and credible reports. Hence, the services of the Auditor General, the Serious Fraud Office, or a Kingās Counsel may still be required.
The Public Service Commission inquiry
The government's decision to involve the Public Service Commission in resolving the current allegations is smart. After all, the public needs to know whether the various government agencies involved have acted properly and whether they have sufficient safeguards against the misuse of private data.
Reporting for RNZ, Lillian Hanly says that the investigation will look at āStatsNZ, the Ministry of Health, Health NZ, Te Puni Kokiri, Oranga Tamariki and the Ministry of Social Developmentā ā see: Te PÄti MÄori inquiry: Six government agencies in the spotlight
As to why this particular investigation has been ordered by the Government, Prime Minister Christoper Luxon has said that the existing inquiries werenāt sufficient or broad enough in scope. He commented yesterday on the existing government agency inquiries: āI don't think that's enoughā¦ I don't think an individual agency looking at and reviewing its own activity is sufficient and therefore that's why I put in place yesterday a Public Service Commissionā ā see Perry Wiltonās Newshub report, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announces Public Service Commission inquiry into Te PÄti MÄori after Census data allegations
This report also includes the response of employment advocate Allan Hulse, who is representing seven former staff who were working at the Manurewa Marae: āWe know upwards of 1400 census forms were photocopied and then that data was put, as I said, into the database that we believe was owned by Waipareira Trustā¦ The second stage involved staff assisting people to transfer from the general to the MÄori roll, and they believe that information was obtained from the census formā.
Hulse has also said that the latest inquiry isnāt sufficient to clear up the issues involved, largely because it isnāt being set up to be truly independent: āYou're never going to get faith in the public service by getting the public service to investigate themselves.ā
Heās right in that the Public Service Commission isnāt generally regarded as a watchdog on the public service, but more as an advocate and manager of government agencies. It has an interest in ensuring that the agencies in question are exonerated.
Most commentators that have looked at the Te Pati MÄori scandal have tended to recommend that a more independent government agency with real powers be brought in to investigate ā such as the Office of the Auditor General or the Serious Fraud Office. One such commentator is broadcaster Heather du Plessis-Allan, who argued on Sunday that the public should be sceptical of government agencies investigating themselves, especially since many of them have failed to act on tipoffs about the alleged problems because they are more interested in ābutt coveringā ā see: Public inquiry needed over Te PÄti MÄori allegations (paywalled)
She argues that a genuinely independent inquiry is required: āIf these agencies are as cynical as anyone else who tries to butt cover, theyāll launch an inquiry designed to find absolutely nothing. An inquiry has to be taken out of their hands and given to someone competent with no skin in the game. The Auditor-General is a good place to start.ā
More focus is required on Whanau Ora
Whatever inquiries are carried out, there will be a need to delve into the sensitive issue of Whanau Ora funding and how entities controlled by John Tamihere deliver government social service contracts. These operations are at the heart of most of the allegations being made about Te Pati MÄori, largely with the notion that Tamihere has integrated a number of state-funded charities into the operations of his political party.
At the heart of the many allegations are the operations of Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency, which is a company run by John Tamihere and his wife, Awerangi Tamihere, the chief operating officer. This agency acts as a social services clearinghouse, funding welfare and health providers in Auckland. And because Tamihere is also the President of Te Pati MÄori and the Chief Executive of Waipareira Trust, there have been questions about his control of different funds and potential conflicts of interest.
Tamihereās company gets funded directly from the government. Last monthās Budget allocated $182m for the next financial year. The Herald reported on this, saying that although other government agencies have had budget cuts, Tamihereās company got an increased budget this year, and Tamihere says that this shows that the companyās relationship with the Government is strong ā see: WhÄnau Ora happy to work alongside Government after slight budget boost
Rightwing political commentator David Farrar has also looked at the annual accounts of the Waipareira Trust, which is closely connected with the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency, and also run by Tamihere, and highlights how over three years, its income has gone up 29 per cent, its assets have grown by 71 per cent, and its profits/surplus has gone up by 220 per cent. But its annual pay for the senior staff has also gone up 155 per cent to an average of $511,000 ā see: The growing and profitable Tamihere Empire
Newstalk ZBās Philip Crump also delved into these finances last year, including the $6m that the Trust charges each year in āmanagement feesā ā see: John Tamihere and the Waipareira Trust
In Defence of Te Pati MÄori and related entities
Te Pati MÄori can be congratulated for front-footing the scandal ā on Friday, the party said that they were calling on the Government to get the Police to investigate, so they could be cleared. The Herald newspaper, therefore credits Te Pati MÄori today for forcing the Government to initiate the inquiry they announced yesterday ā see its editorial today, Te PÄti MÄoriās self-referral for police investigation forces Governmentās hand on data issue (paywalled)
Although Tamihere has asked the Police to investigate, heās also saying that the allegations are āRacism 101 in practiceā. He gave an interview yesterday with Waatea News, in which he explained that itās another case in which āMaori are guilty until proven innocentā and he says that those making the allegations are essentially saying, āYou horis canāt be trustedā ā see: John Tamihere ā CEO Waipareira and President of Te PÄti MÄori
Tamihereās friend, Labour MP Willie Jackson, has also taken the race angle in his criticisms of the allegations. He suggested that Te Pati MÄori were being held to a higher standard than parties like National, who āhave got donors lined up everywhere. These guys have got lobbyists who they are looking afterā ā you can watch his animated defence on Newshub: Labour's Willie Jackson calls for same scrutiny of National as Te Pati MÄori in fiery interview
Similarly, blogger Martyn Bradbury has also backed Tamihere, arguing that the scandal just reflects āa schism between Destiny Church and the MÄori Partyā, and the mediaās scrutiny of the allegations amount to ānaked garden variety bigotry where MÄori are held to higher standards than non-MÄoriā ā see: The double standard crucifixion of MÄori Party
Of course, it needs to be remembered that the allegations have been made are actually from MÄori workers who used to work at the Manurewa Marae. And today, Newsroomās Sam Sachdeva has responded to the racism claims, saying that this does Te Pati MÄori āa disserviceā.
Sachdeva says that although the government inquiries should ātake te ao MÄori into considerationā, itās āmisguidedā to suggest that the allegations can be dismissed as āracismā. He says that āa PÄkehÄ party using census data for campaigning would attract a similarly strong response.ā Furthermore, he cites a recent survey of MÄori and Pakeha that shows that āthe issue of trust and confidence in government is even more pronounced when it comes to MÄoriā ā as MÄori concerns about privacy breaches seem to be exceptionally high.
Those that have blown the whistle on the funding arrangements and electioneering issues are, according to Newstalk ZBās Philip Crump, ādescribed by sources as credible and well-respected community leadersā ā see: Seven complaints of alleged treating at Manurewa Marae during the 2023 General Election reported to Electoral Commission
In this article, Crump reports further allegations, including that Takutai Tarsh Kemp, the Te Pati MÄori candidate, was seen at the Manurewa Marae polling station several times on election day, allegedly in contravention of electoral laws, and party-branded clothing was worn by workers at the voting booth.
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Post by Cantab on Jun 15, 2024 6:19:58 GMT 12
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Post by harrytom on Jun 15, 2024 7:34:21 GMT 12
I refuse to be lectured about racism by someone who hates white people. Got it open but cant paste picture
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Post by GO30 on Jun 15, 2024 11:45:04 GMT 12
Here you go chaps.
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Post by GO30 on Jun 15, 2024 11:47:44 GMT 12
Whats the bet the inquires will find a few niggles and some functionary who will be thrown under the Waka to get a brutal beating with a soggy bus ticket but that's about all?
I reckon the reports are gonna be a big fat brownwash.
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Post by Cantab on Jun 15, 2024 17:30:46 GMT 12
I reckon National is quietly pushing the inquiry in the background. The Government will be able to use an appropriate report to undertake a massive cleanout, from the top down, in all the agencies found complicit. I think some underestimate how clever our current government is, got used to the one liner simpletons from the last few years.
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Post by fish on Jun 15, 2024 18:36:53 GMT 12
I reckon National is quietly pushing the inquiry in the background. The Government will be able to use an appropriate report to undertake a massive cleanout, from the top down, in all the agencies found complicit. I think some underestimate how clever our current government is, got used to the one liner simpletons from the last few years. Defund the JT Empire? Kill two birds with one stone. If the Govt departments are following their procurement manuals to the letter, they wont be able to award any contracts or give any taxpayer money to any organisation subject to a current investigation. If you get some real good anal auditor types, you wouldn't be able to award any contracts to organisations connected with organisations being investigated... Especially if they have the same executive officer. This strategy would not 'mobilise' the already militant TPM protester, but, if done properly should cripple the JT empire and leave TPM a shell of it's current self. In saying that, the corollary is to drive a wedge between Labour and TPM, meaning the left will really struggle to get a majority ever again. If National decide to ignore the TPM / JT issues, just let it fester, this could also play into National's hands. A third consideration is the timing is not good. Far too early in the election cycle. Of course the last two options are selfish political considerations. Some of us would like to see laws applied and justice observed. You know, one law for all and what not...
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Post by Cantab on Jun 15, 2024 19:31:26 GMT 12
Would like to see the proceeds of crime act kick in when all is done and dusted too, that ought to finish him off.
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Post by GO30 on Jun 16, 2024 21:01:15 GMT 12
I reckon National is quietly pushing the inquiry in the background. The Government will be able to use an appropriate report to undertake a massive cleanout, from the top down, in all the agencies found complicit. I think some underestimate how clever our current government is, got used to the one liner simpletons from the last few years. Good point.
Why would the Nats want to disappear a sales team that is currently working for them so hard.
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Post by ComfortZone on Jun 19, 2024 11:59:27 GMT 12
just highlighting this point again from the Edwards piece above That's right, WO got $180M of taxpayers money yet because it is not a government organisation is not subject to the audit process that normally applies to government bodies.
Even back in 2015 the Auditor General was critical of the finances it was able to review
Nothing has changed, just got worst!
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Post by ComfortZone on Jun 20, 2024 8:48:02 GMT 12
from today's BFD General Debate Several social-media political commentors have expressed concern at the appointment of Ms Pania Gray as one of two investigators into the hot-button issue of voting and census shenanigans surrounding Manurewa Marae. This disquiet based on a perceived conflict of professional interest between Ms Gray and a member of the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency - that agency having very close ties to Manurewa marae. Be that as it may, I have concerns of a different nature: I question if she is up to the task.
Some background: Ms Gray recently investigated claims of mis-doings in the hire of a candidate to a senior role within Te Puni Kokiri (TPK). This had been controversial because the candidate, in the previous six months, had been struck off as a teacher due to professional misconduct. Not just any old common-or-garden professional misconduct but, said the Teaching Council Disciplinary Tribunal: "the most serious end of serious misconduct cases that come before the Tribunal". So, it was very serious. The cynic might say predatory. The scorned ex-teacher applied for the leadership position at TPK naming the chief executive - a friend of his father - as a referee, and after consideration was eventually provisionally hired. Some good people at TPK were aghast, with no fewer than eight staff requesting reviews of the fellow's appointment citing TPK's reputation alongside other personal considerations. The sole adjudicator of 'review requests' is the chief executive. The review requests, all eight of them, were dismissed, and the controversial man was hired. Following (bad) publicity the chief executive requested an independent investigator look at the process, and his role in it, due to public scrutiny and his 'perceived conflict of interest'. The investigator appointed was Pania Gray. Ms Gray found procedural wants and inconsistencies but no blame to attribute, and certainly nobody on the naughty-chair. Was Ms Gray robust enough? To agree with her findings, we have to believe: 1) The Chief Executive (CE) didn't "know the applicant well." 2) That, despite knowing the former teacher applied for a different role with TPK earlier, a role he was turned-down for, citing CE as a referee, CE knew nothing of his new application again citing him as referee. 3) That not one of the eight 'review requests' reached him, despite him being the sole adjudicator of such requests. 4) That he knew nothing of the more recent job application until speaking with the disgraced teacher's father "on an unrelated matter" in late November 2023. 5) That following said personal conversation and CE subsequently enquiring "of a Deputy Secretary about the apparent delay in TPK advising the applicant of the outcome of his most recent employment application" that neither of his deputy secretaries said 'Oh, there are several objections to his hiring - that only you can review'. 6) That when he 'found out' about the review requests on 22 December 2023, he didn't immediately intervene, as was his role. 7) That upon discovering the review requests had been dismissed by unauthorised persons CE didn't immediately overturn, reverse, or re-visit them. In short; Ms Grayās recent report, and investigation, is and was sub-par as it raises many more questions than answers, and, more importantly, sought no answers to very obvious questions. I'm not sure she's up to the job of this new, much more complex, intricate and important inquiry involving allegations of wide-ranging breaches of law by Te Pati Maori, its leader and acolytes.
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Post by Cantab on Jun 20, 2024 8:53:53 GMT 12
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Post by ComfortZone on Jun 24, 2024 9:08:22 GMT 12
The Tamihere/Manurewa marae saga continues opens
Complaints about Manurewa Marae ā including that staff collected voting papers as they delivered campaign advertising ā were made during the 2022 local body elections, but were not referred to police. Three senior marae figures ā then-chief executive and now Te PÄti MÄori MP Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp, chair Rangi McLean and Hilda Peters ā were standing as candidates for a local board on the Manurewa-Papakura Action Team ticket.
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