Ministers Chris Bishop, Simeon Brown and Shane Jones. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The Auditor General says the process to manage conflict of interests in the fast-track approvals process was "sound", but also saw opportunities to "further strengthen conflict management".
A report released today showed the findings by the Auditor General from an inquiry that looked at the overall systems and processes used to identify and manage the potential and actual conflicts of interests of the ministers involved in the Fast-track Bill.
The process was investigated by the office after it became aware of "concerns about the transparency" of the decision making processes for which projects would be included in the Bill.
Conflicts of interest was described as "perceptions of bias, predetermination, and undue influence".
The report said those concerns can be heightened when a " decision-making process gives Ministers a broad margin of discretion and the decisions benefit private businesses".
"This was the case with the fast-track approvals process."
It did not look at the merits of the Bill, the design of the fast-track approvals process or decisions about projects.
The report stated ministers and the Cabinet Office considered a broad range of potential conflicts, including family and close associates. Campaign donations were also clearly documented as conflicts and had a management plan.
While the process was considered "sound" by the Auditor General, it noted a range of options to strengthen conflict management.
Those included having ministers declare their conflicts of interest earlier in the process - ideally before receiving officials' advice on the applications and before they determined the list of projects to take to Cabinet.
It also suggested considering whether it was appropriate for ministers to participate in Cabinet discussions given they had a conflict - even if they were not the minister responsible for the final decision.
Minister Chris Bishop - one the of the key ministers in charge of fast-track - said he welcomed the findings, and thanked the Cabinet Office for its ongoing advice and support.
