It has been revealed a former manager at the Talley’s Group likely forged documentation related to ACC claims, but the company never notified the government agency.
The revelations came as part of the ongoing defamation case the food group has taken against TVNZ and reporter Thomas Mead.
Talley’s is suing TVNZ to restore its reputation. The company has claimed it lost income and its reputation had unfairly suffered after a series of reports alleging health and safety concerns.
Today it was revealed former staffer ACC partnership manager Rebekah Vincent likely forged claim documentation in 2019.
"I found there was evidence of files being edited after the fact and I ultimately determined the allegations were likely true and that [Vincent] had likely forged and falsified records," Talley’s human resources manager Nathan Howes said.
Not long after the allegations were raised, Vincent resigned. No further investigation or audit into her work was ever undertaken.
"After she left, we instructed staff to reverse any issues caused by [Vincent’s] actions and to fix anything they might have done at [Vincent’s] instruction."
TVNZ’s lawyer, Davey Salmon, questioned whether the forgery could have had an impact on Talley’s staff.
Howes said it was an isolated incident.
"I’m not sure I agree that it risks harm," he said.
Salmon replied: “Well, it risks harm in the sense that it would lead anyone checking whether processes are properly followed to believe that their check was being done when it wasn’t, you’d agree with that?”
Howes said: "I would agree."
ACC said it wouldn’t comment on the newly revealed fraud allegations while the case is before the court.
The trial is set to continue for three more weeks.
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