Watchdog 'disappointed' by delay in Waikato District Health Board's disclosure of expenses

Waikato District Health Board chief executive Nigel Murray's expenses have not been disclosed for more than two years. Photo / Christine Cornege

A Government watchdog is "disappointed" that the Waikato District Health Board has not disclosed chief executive Nigel Murray's expenses since he took up the job in 2014.

The State Services Commission's expectation is that DHB chief executives disclose their expenses, gifts and hospitality at least once a year.

"Annual disclosures must now be published, containing information up to the end of the financial year (June 30), by the third week of July each year," the commission says.

Waikato DHB's latest disclosure on its website relates to former chief executive Craig Climo and covers the 12 months to June 2014.

Murray started in July 2014.

When the Herald inquired about the apparent delay, the DHB said this week: "... there were some technical issues in collating everything which caused a delay, but it's all been sorted and they will be filed in January."

State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes said today, "It is important that chief executives of Government agencies are open with New Zealanders about their spending of public money and transparent about what gifts and hospitality they are accepting."

Hughes said he expected at least annual disclosure.

"I am disappointed that this has not happened in this case.

The State Services Commission has raised the delayed disclosures with Waikato District Health Board chairman Bob Simcock. Photo / Christine Cornege

"SSC staff have raised this matter with the Waikato DHB chief executive and board chair [Bob Simcock].

"We are advised by the DHB that the expenses will be disclosed in January."