Summarised by Centrist

A four-year investigation into the Waipareira Trust’s political donations to campaigns linked to its CEO, John Tamihere, has concluded with the case being referred to the Charities Registration Board. 

This investigation began with $100,000 donated to Tamihere’s 2019 Auckland mayoral campaign and expanded to scrutinise financial support for Te Pāti Māori’s 2020 and 2023 election campaigns. 

Despite a partial settlement in early 2023, the investigation was reopened due to concerns over loan repayments and a public Matariki concert used for political purposes. Recent reports show the loan was repaid in May 2023, and Waipareira executives received a significant pay increase. 

Tamihere declined to address specific questions and responded to the Herald with, “F*** off! Print that!” The Charities Registration Board’s decision could result in the trust’s deregistration, potentially triggering a $20m tax bill.

Read more over at The NZ Herald (paywalled)