Charity boss: it's a witchhunt

Roger McClay. Photo / Chris Skelton

The charity boss who signed off the expenses of former Government minister Roger McClay says the criminal charges faced by the politician are a "witchhunt".

Former Keep NZ Beautiful chief executive Barry Lucinsky said he never saw any irregularities in expenses filed by McClay.

He said he would stand by his friend through the "witchhunt".

McClay, also former Children's Commissioner, is to appear in the Auckland District Court this week to face 56 charges of obtaining or using a document to obtain a pecuniary advantage.

They follow allegations McClay was being investigated for using his ex-MP perk of taxpayer-funded flights on business trips while claiming mileage from charities he worked for.

Police have seized documents from charities in which McClay was involved - Keep NZ Beautiful, Heart Children New Zealand and World Vision.

McClay stepped down from his role with Keep NZ Beautiful last July after taking up a job with The Spinal Trust. He resigned on Thursday.

McClay's son, National and Rotorua MP Todd McClay, said he was supporting his father.

McClay did not respond to requests for comment.