Census collector revealed as killer

Statistics New Zealand is defending its employment practices after it was revealed a man who had killed his partner and two children 13 years ago was hired as a census collector in Hamilton.

Government Statistician Brian Pink confirmed a census collector in the Waikato area resigned yesterday after it emerged that he had failed to disclose information necessary for his employment.

The Waikato Times today named the man -- who slit the throats of his partner and children in 1993 -- as John Te Huia, formerly Stanley Smith, a long-time patient at Waikato Hospital's Henry Bennett Centre.

In September 1993, Mr Te Huia slit the throats of partner Angelina Poli, 21, and daughters Tiana, four, and Natalia, 18 months.

He believed there was a conspiracy to kill him, cut his body into pieces and put it in a deep freezer. He was convicted but after appeal found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Mr Pink described it as a most unfortunate incident that the department regretted and one which he understood local residents would be concerned about.

As soon as Statistics New Zealand was made aware of the situation, the collector was interviewed and he resigned, Mr Pink said.

The collector had been replaced, and collection of census forms was proceeding in the area he was working in.

"We are very disappointed that someone has slipped through our system."

It was essential that collectors were trustworthy and reliable, he said.

"Before appointing census collectors, we follow a rigorous process which includes interviews, reference checking and a declaration of any previous criminal convictions. These are standard and appropriate processes for recruiting staff."

However the collector had failed to disclose previous criminal convictions and the reference checks also did not reveal any cause for concern, he said.

"Review of his work in the delivery phase by his district supervisor -- which is our normal practice -- showed it to be of a high standard," Mr Pink said.

There had been no risk to the households in the area where he was working, he said.

The newspaper reported Mr Te Huia spent six days out of seven at a community house, was no longer on medication and spent one day a week at the Henry Bennett Centre.

Census area manager Judy Cartwright told the newspaper Mr Te Huia had been doing a great job and she was comfortable with him knocking on doors.

"He's been suffering for what he did for 13 years. How long does he have to be crucified for?"

Ms Cartwright said they had no reason not to continue employing him but Statistics New Zealand last night released a statement saying Mr Te Huia had resigned yesterday afternoon.

Up to 6400 people were employed for the Census.

- NZPA