Shane Jones returned to Parliament today amid opposition criticism over a conflict of interest he declared in a Northland organisation set to receive $4.6 million from the Provincial Growth Fund.
The Regional Economic Development Minister says he's taking advice on whether to correct the Parliamentary record over an official answer he gave regarding the conflict.
In a rare move - Speaker Trevor mallard granted an urgent debate over Mr Jones' conflict of interest.
Mr Jones' admits he should never have stayed in a meeting where funding was signed off for the Opononi Tourism Project.
"I should contemplate actually leaving the room to avoid any raruraru (problems)," Mr Jones says.
The issue stems from Mr Jones’ involvement in a Northland tourism project (Source: Other)
The Opposition has signalled it will pursue the issue of a conflict of interest, although Mr Jones is crying foul, saying it's a case of character assassination.
"The member is making a mountain out of a molehill," he said to National MP Paul Goldsmith in Parliament today.
Background:
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.
The grant of $4.6 million was approved by Finance Minister Grant 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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