KEY POINTS:
The whistleblower at the centre of conflict of interest allegations at the Hawkes Bay District Health Board is willing to be unmasked so that she can take a full part in any inquiry into the board's dealings.
Tensions are high at the board as more details of what went on around a $50 million contract tender continue to emerge. Yesterday the board met and passed a resolution requesting that the Auditor-General's office begin a full investigation into the tender.
While the board said it supported an inquiry ordered by Health Minister Pete Hodgson, it also dealt it a blow when chairman Kevin Atkinson said there was concern that the terms of reference were too narrow.
The board wanted an inquiry that included the treatment of the whistleblower who later lost her job, as well as the behaviour of management at the Hawkes Bay District Health Board, he said.
Therefore, the board would ask the Auditor-General's office to fully investigate the conflict of interest matters relating to board member Peter Hausmann.
The Auditor-General's office has already revealed it is looking at conflicts of interest at the Hawkes Bay District Health Board as part of its annual audit, and if it sees anything that warrants further investigation it could start a full inquiry.
At yesterday's board meeting, which was attended by Mr Hausmann, it was revealed that a solicitor representing the whistleblower said she was willing to take part in any inquiry. She was willing to be named, Mr Atkinson said last night.
At issue in the health board wrangle is the selection of Mr Hausmann's company, Healthcare of New Zealand, as the preferred bidder for a $50 million contract. The woman was disturbed that, despite Mr Hausmann's saying he wouldn't be involved in the tender process, an email suggested he knew something of the terms of reference being drawn up between the board and his company.
Mr Hausmann has denied any wrongdoing, but the process was eventually terminated after legal advice was provided to the board.
