An MP has claimed that officials may have misled not only ministers but also Parliament over a failed $33 million immigration technology project. The Public Service Commissioner has appointed a former solicitor-general to investigate the matter.
The project, which aimed to modernize immigration systems, was abandoned after significant cost overruns and delays. The MP's allegations suggest that key information about the project's failures was withheld from parliamentary oversight committees.
The investigation will examine whether any officials deliberately provided false or misleading information to Parliament. The former solicitor-general is expected to report findings within six months.
Immigration New Zealand has declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing. The minister responsible has stated that he welcomes the inquiry and expects full cooperation from all parties.
