Report on Green MP Darleen Tana hits nine weeks and $43K

Monday, 20 May 2024

The Green Party-initiated independent investigation into one of its MPs has passed nine weeks and has cost taxpayers $43,000 so far.

When asked if the report into MP Darleen Tana was coming this week, a Green Party spokesperson said that “natural justice is important to the Green Party”.

“That’s why an independent investigation into the very serious allegations surrounding Darleen Tana is taking place, which has so far cost $43,000.

“We are not in a position to comment on the specific details of any allegations until the independent investigation is complete.”

Green Party leadership launched the investigation by barrister Rachel Burt in the middle of March, after questions by Stuff regarding an allegation of migrant exploitation at a business owned by her husband.

A statement from co-leader Marama Davidson at the time said that on March 14, “it came to our attention that Ms Tana may have had some prior knowledge of the allegations”.

“To understand fully what Ms Tana knew, and when, we are appointing an independent lawyer to conduct an investigation into the matter.”

Davidson said the party had been “quite clear that we want this to be done as quickly as possible for everyone's benefit, but also making sure that it's fair and robust and upholds natural justice processes as well”.

Initially, it was expected the investigation would take a couple of weeks. Earlier this month, the Green Party said it was expected it to take about a month.

On April 9, Davidson told The Hui it was “coming towards the end of that independent investigation”.

Timeline of initial events

On February 1, Tana informed the Green Party that a complaint had been laid with the Employment Relations Authority.

“Darleen voluntarily stepped aside from the small business portfolio. We felt that that was a protective measure, going above and beyond but as a protection measure, while a confidential mediation process went through,” Davidson said.

On February 9, they were notified of a second complaint.

“All of the complaints were related to years before she became an MP and to do with years where she was not a director or shareholder of the small business. And again, they were referred to mediation for resolution,” Davidson said.

“We had it on good faith that Darleen was not involved or had prior knowledge.”

Davidson said they would have continued the mediation process and worked towards a resolution, prior to the inquiries by Stuff.

“So we were aware that it wasn't the end of the story, but were willing to allow for the confidential mediation process to happen and then would have waited for an outcome from that.'

In March, Tana welcomed the investigation and said she intended to co-operate fully.

It comes after allegations against a business run by Tana’s husband, with a migrant worker claiming they are owed $25,000 in unpaid wages. The worker claims they approached Tana for help.

Tana’s husband, Christian Hoff-Nielsen, denies the claims, saying he does not owe the worker, Santiago Latour Palma, any money, and denies that he worked there illegally or was paid in cash or had anything to do with Tana.