Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : I seek the leave of the House to correct an answer given to a question for oral answer on 18 March 2010.
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Eric Roy): Leave is sought to correct an answer. Is there anyone opposed to that course of action? It appears not. Leave is granted.
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: On 18 March Mr Garrett asked me as Minister for Treaty for Waitangi Negotiations how much Mr Tuku Morgan had been paid by the Office of Treaty Settlements as a Crown facilitator since 16 November 2008. I replied that to that date Mr Morgan had been paid $171,093.61. Mr Garrett subsequently submitted to me a small number of questions for written answer. In compiling material to answer Mr Garrett’s written questions it has come to my attention that although Mr Morgan has been paid that sum, there were two instances in 2009 when Mr Morgan was inadvertently paid twice for the same work as a Crown facilitator. In the first instance, upon being notified Mr Morgan repaid the full amount within 24 hours. Mr Morgan has tonight been notified of the second instance. He was unaware of the double payment and has undertaken to repay that amount. Accordingly, although it is correct that Mr Morgan has been paid $171,093.61, he should have been paid $144,768.61. Having just learnt of these details, I wish to draw this issue to the attention of the House at the earliest possible opportunity.
