Fraud scientist recruiter defends process

Disgraced former top Defence scientist Stephen Wilce outside his home in Devonport. Photo / Natalie Slade

The recruitment company which appointed a top-level Defence staffer despite his false claims says a review shows it followed processes when appointing him.

Stephen Wilce, chief defence scientist for the past five years, resigned last week following an investigation by the 60 Minutes programme, which revealed he made extravagant claims about his background, including that he had a distinguished combat career.

Labour leader Phil Goff said the first responsibility in the chain of checks in the Wilce case rested with the private recruitment agency - Momentum Consulting - and it appeared due diligence had not been done.

"That is frankly incompetent and they have got a lot to answer."

Momentum managing director Bede Ashby said this afternoon a review had been carried out and he was satisfied the company had completed all tasks required under its arrangement with the Defence Force.

Momentum advertised the position, developed a short list of candidates and checked qualifications, credit history and the criminal record of the preferred candidate, he said.

"Momentum will continue to work closely with the Defence Force and the State Services Commission on the investigations of this matter but can make no further comment until the detailed inquiries are completed."

The Defence Force is conducting two reviews into the incident and a State Services investigation is also under way.

Mr Goff said the Wilce case followed in the footsteps of former Maori Television boss John Davy and former Immigration head Mary Anne Thompson, who also made false claims about their past.

"We've seen too many cases of this, and that indicates a systemic problem and I think that systemic problem needs to be addressed," Mr Goff said today.

He said there must have also been slip-ups on the parts of the Defence Force, which employed him, and the SIS, which does background checks before high-level security clearance is granted.

- NZPA