MPs question Housing NZ over gagging

Housing New Zealand bosses have been vigorously questioned at a briefing of the Social Services Select Committee today.

National MP Phil Heatley demanded answers regarding the gagging of an independent contractor who tried to go public on multi-million dollar financial irregularities within Housing New Zealand's business.

Mr Heatley sought, and received, an assurance from Housing New Zealand Chairman Pat Snedden that such practice would never take place again.

However, in a sometimes testy exchange, Pat Snedden refused to comment on any aspect of the matter.

The Audit Office is investigating HNZC over a confidentiality agreement with the contractor.

The man was told last year that $3000 owed to him would not be paid unless he agreed not to take his complaints about the accounting irregularities to the media, ministers or MPs.

- NEWSTALK ZB