Social worker took gifts worth $55,000

A social worker inappropriately accepted gifts worth around $55,000 from a mental health client, an investigation has found.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rae Lamb, in a report made public yesterday, named the social worker as Parehe Nikau.

She said Ms Nikau, also called Polly Haenga, worked for a primary health organisation, but did not name it.

The independent prosecutor in the commissioner's office is still considering whether to take the case to the Human Rights Review Tribunal, which can award compensation.

The client, in her 60s with a long history of depression and bipolar disorder, said she gave money, clothes, jewellery and other gifts to Ms Nikau, her community health co-ordinator, during the last three months of 2008.

She said Ms Nikau asked for them.

"I consider it was Parehe Nikau blackmailing me - deceitfully and very skilfully - by gradually gaining my respect."

Ms Lamb said Ms Nikau accepted that the value of the money and goods was around $55,000, but denied asking for any of it. Ms Nikau recalled receiving $5000, which she agreed to put in an investment account for Ms A. She had repaid that sum after being asked to.

The gifts included about 20 pairs of shoes, 40 pairs of underwear, 20 items of clothing and three necklaces, and winnings from gambling.

Ms Lamb said the social worker's conduct was an abuse of trust and amounted to financial exploitation.