Inquiry into Certain Aspects of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Overview
Conducted by: Controller and Auditor-General under Public Audit Act 2001
Concerns: Ethical practices, financial management, conflicts of interest
Entity: Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWOA), a Crown entity and public tertiary education institution
Focus: Decision-making, conflicts of interest, management of senior expenses, relationship with Aotearoa Institute Te Kuratini o Ngā Waka Trust (AI Trust)
Key Findings
Governance and Management Issues
Poor Documentation: Incomplete records and lack of formal decision-making processes
Conflicts of Interest: Significant, poorly managed conflicts, especially with Rongo Wetere's involvement
Rapid Growth: TWOA's rapid expansion without adequate governance and management systems
Financial Management
Expenditure Practices: Informal decision-making leading to financial vulnerabilities
Dependency on AI Trust: Unclear transactions and potential risks if the relationship ends
Senior Management Expenses: Issues with international travel, credit card use, and lack of compliance with policies
Relationship with AI Trust
Close and Longstanding: Entangled financial and operational transactions
Lease Arrangements: Many significant property leases, creating potential dependency and risk
Specific Issues Addressed
Conflicts of Interest
Rongo Wetere's Influence: Conflicts involving family, especially in employment and contracting decisions
Appointments: Employment practices involving relatives often lacked transparency and fair processes
Property and Asset Management
Informal Practices: Poorly documented acquisitions and decisions, leading to financial overcommits (e.g., Glenview hotel complex)
Leasing vs. Buying: Lack of strategic review on whether to lease or own properties
Educational Programs
Course Ventures: Joint ventures like Mahi Ora and Kiwi Ora involved conflicts of interest
Intellectual Property Claims: AI Trust's potential claim against TWOA for course materials
International Travel
Poor Oversight: Inadequate documentation and approval processes for travel expenses
Personal vs. Business Use: Issues with distinguishing between personal and business expenses, especially in cash use and credit card transactions
Recommendations
Strengthen Governance: Implement robust policies for decision-making, financial management, and conflict of interest management
Improve Documentation: Ensure thorough and transparent documentation of all significant decisions and transactions
Audit and Compliance: Regular audits to ensure adherence to policies and management of public resources
Conclusion
TWOA has achieved significant educational outcomes but must align its governance and financial practices with public sector standards to mitigate risks and enhance credibility.