Shane Jones has "driven a truck through the rules", says Simon Bridges, over his involvement in a Northland cultural centre's funding decision that the Opposition are calling a conflict of interest.
Mr Jones was involved in plans to build Manea Footprints of Kupe, before he became a minister in November 2017. He then declared a conflict of interest.
In February 2018 he gave reassurances about the centre’s management to ministers.
Mr Jones told RNZ he was not conflicted in the decision, but National disagree.
The issue stems from Mr Jones’ involvement in a Northland tourism project (Source: Other)
"It can't be explained away, we've got to have rules in New Zealand around things like conflict of interest, they have to be taken seriously here," National Party leader Simon Bridges said.
"Jacinda Ardern can't sweep this under the carpet, she's got very serious questions to answer."
"They've driven a truck through the rules."
However, the Prime Minister said she had confidence in Mr Jones.
"He has declared a conflict of interest, that conflict of interest has been managed, much of the issues that have been discussed in recent days have been put into the public demand by the Minister himself in answers to written questions.
"I believe he has followed the guidance he's been given and therefore I have confidence in him."
ACT leader David Seymour said Mr Jones was "wiggling like a hyperactive worm on a hook".
"Shane Jones can only be given so many chances," he told 1 NEWS.
"At the very least Shane Jones should have left the room, what's the point in declaring a conflict of interest with someone if you're then just going to go into a meeting, give the money anyway, and then deny you're at the meeting? It's a sacking offence."
RNZ reported that in February 2018 during a meeting of ministers Grant Robertson raised concerns about the management and commercial operations of the project.
"Minister Jones provided reassurance that as the project has Far North Holdings Ltd, the commercial arm of the Far North District Council, involved in governance structures, he was comfortable their presence would alleviate any concerns on this issue," documents released to RNZ via the Official Information Act state.
The grant of $4.6 million was approved by Mr Robertson. Mr Jones also said since becoming a Minister he had not attended formal meetings about the project, and yesterday said he only gave publicly available information.
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