Phil Heatley MP

National Party Housing Spokesman

26 February 2006

Heatley releases letters from Taito Phillip Field

National Party Housing spokesman Phil Heatley has released two letters (see PDF file at bottom of story) from Taito Phillip Field to Housing New Zealand relating to a property dispute in South Auckland.

The letters came to light in an Official Information Act request from National to Housing New Zealand which asked for 'a copy of all correspondence sent to HNZ by Hon Taito Phillip Field in relation to Patrick and Simon Cole, and/or their family'.

The family has previously claimed that they went to Mr Field for help and Mr Field said at the time he was acting to help a family in 'considerable financial difficulty'.

"The letters may rebound on the former Minister," says Mr Heatley.

"There are long waiting lists for Housing NZ properties in South Auckland.

"This poses a serious question. Was the Minister using his position to fast-track alternative accommodation for tenants that he wanted out of an investment property that he owned?

"If Mr Field was using his position to get himself out of a pickle, that is entirely inappropriate behaviour."

The alleged conflict of interest allegations over the purchase and sale of the house are now part of a wider inquiry into Mr Field.

Mr Heatley says he also intends to forward the letters to Noel Ingram QC who is conducting the inquiry.

ENDS

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