New Zealand Immigration Department

... conflict of interest

Immigration Service boss Mary-Anne Thompson was warned about conflict of interest problems when helping family but still assisted relatives with forms to get residency in New Zealand.

The handling of an inquiry into her actions is now being looked into by State Services Commissioner Mark Prebble - but questions are being raised about whether he also faces a conflict of interest problem because of a previous working relationship with Dr Thompson.

Former Labour Secretary James Buwalda's role is also likely to be under the spotlight given the incidents happened under his watch.

The Labour Department is responsible for the service and has issued a statement explaining that Dr Thompson was warned after twice seeking help from immigration officers in December 2004 and May 2005 to get visa waivers for members of her extended family in Kiribati.

Secretary of Labour Christopher Blake said Dr Buwalda found those cases raised conflict of interest questions and Dr Thompson was directed "not to become involved in decision-making regarding any person with whom she had a personal relationship".

However in late 2005 three family members applied for residency permits and Dr Thompson helped fill in the forms, signing her name to say she had done so.

This was investigated by former Secretary of Justice David Oughton last year after questions were raised in an internal audit.

Mr Oughton found that residency was granted even though the application was too late and the quota filled. A staff member was disciplined because they made the decision to give approval without being authorised to, but the residency was not revoked.

Dr Prebble said he could not say how long the report would take but would treat it as a high priority.

"This matter has resulted in public concerns being raised about whether there are different rules for the family members of senior officials," he said.

Read the full story in the Politics Section of the Dominion Post