Allegations of bribery within Housing New Zealand (HNZ) have prompted an increase in calls to the organisation's 0800 complaints line.HNZ began an investigation last month after complaints that money was being sought by a staff member, in return for state
Allegations of bribery within Housing New Zealand (HNZ) have prompted an increase in calls to the organisation's 0800 complaints line.
HNZ began an investigation last month after complaints that money was being sought by a staff member, in return for state house tenancies.
Information had been obtained which suggested some tenants in Auckland may have been housed with a greater priority than their circumstances warranted.
There was also information to indicate money may have been paid to intermediaries in the community acting on behalf of the staff member concerned.
A HNZ spokeswoman said the media attention about the allegations had prompted an increase in calls to the complaints line about HNZ staff and tenants.
She did not know how many calls had come in or whether any had been further allegations of bribery.
"Most have been minor issues. Anything that is serious will be dealt with."
Housing Minister Phil Heatley said he was confident allegations a staff member has been taking bribes to bump people up the Housing New Zealand (HNZ) waiting list were "isolated" and did not believe there was a widespread problem.
"We haven't had reports like this before, to the extent that HNZ has had to instigate an investigation."
He urged anyone with information to call HNZ's 0800 801 601 complaints line because "we want to know about it because I can tell you, we don't tolerate anti-social behaviour in our state houses and we certainly won't tolerate dishonesty within HNZ".
"New Zealanders don't tolerate corruption, and neither do I," Mr Heatley said.
Police would be informed if the investigation, being conducted by KPMG, found evidence of corruption, he said.
HNZ chief executive Lesley McTurk said HNZ was "appalled" by the allegations.
"I can reassure everyone this situation is being thoroughly investigated. Immediate employment action has been taken. Once our investigation is complete, it will be possible to make a decision whether it is appropriate to bring the matter to the attention of the police."
The staff member had been suspended on full pay while the employment investigation was conducted.
Dr McTurk hoped to complete the inquiry before March, but said that would depend on the employee's reaction and their advocacy.
"I'm going through the due process that is required in order to give them the opportunity to give their side of the story before a decision is made, because it is an allegation of very, very serious misconduct."
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