Call for inquiry into West Auckland licensing trusts

Trust inquiry call

Labour MP John Tamihere wants an inquiry into the West Auckland licensing trusts because he says it is unacceptable they have not published their full March 2002 accounts.

The Waitakere and Portage Trusts refuse to disclose them until their boards meet after the competition poll is held on February 25.

They are being challenged to publish by two supermarket chains wanting to sell beer and wine in the trusts' areas.

Mr Tamihere yesterday joined in the supermarkets' call, saying people needed that information now as they voted on the issue in the postal ballot.

But a statement from the trusts said Waitakere's accounts had been audited but had yet to be formally approved by the board.

The trusts said Waitakere would publish its accounts in the timeframe required.