Photo: RNZ / DOM THOMAS
Te Puni Kōkiri says its review into the use of Whānau Ora Commissioning funding will be completed "as soon as possible and ideally in July".
On Monday, the ministry released terms of reference for the independent review being carried out by Doug Craig, director of the RDC Group consultancy, looking into accusations agencies spent taxpayer money on a rugby team and adverts encouraging people to join the Māori electoral roll.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Morning Report the review would be completed in July, but while the terms set out plans for weekly interim reports to be delivered starting Friday, 4 July, it did not specify when the final report must be delivered.
When RNZ sought clarification about the due date for the report, the ministry refused to give one - saying it would be "ideally in July".
"Te Puni Kōkiri initiated an independent review on 27 June 2024. The reviewer commenced immediately and is working with urgency. The review is being completed as soon as possible and ideally in July 2025. We cannot speculate on the specific report date."
It also stated the ministry's chief executive, secretary for Māori development Dave Samuels, "may release the final report, or a summary of findings from the report", leaving open the possibility the findings may not be released.
RNZ sought assurances they would be.
"Te Puni Kōkiri will need to consider what is appropriate to release when it receives and considers the report from the independent review," a spokesperson said. "Consistent with the terms of reference, that could comprise the report or a summary."
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