default-output-block.skip-main
National | Hekia Parata

Hekia Parata turns on Kōhanga Reo National Trust

Questions are still emerging in parliament over Te Kōhanga Reo, specifically, its company Te Pātaka Ōhanga.

Yesterday the Education Minister referred the allegations of misspending at the company to the Serious Fraud Office, and the first Maori education group has come out in support of an investigation.

According to Hekia, “I've done my job and it is a matter of deep frustration that the trust hasn't done theirs.”

Yes it seems Hekia Parata has run out of love for the National Trust.

“The public wants answers from the trust and so do I”

In regards to the Serious Fraud Office, some of the criteria whereby an investigation would be undertaken include the financial value of the alleged fraud typically be in excess of $2 million, or that the number of victims impacted by the alleged fraud is vast.

Under the authority of the SFO it also has the power to lay criminal charges.

Questions are also still being asked regarding the $50,000 koha.

According to Te Kaea's sources, it was co-chair Tina Ratana-Olsen who received the payment for her work regarding the Treaty claim.  However, despite numerous attempts to contact the board today, their lips are sealed.

Tomorrow parliament will rise for two weeks meaning the issue will be silenced within the lion's den for a while yet.