Warren Larsen was personally involved in the unauthorised export of milk powder before his time at the Dairy Board, the "Powdergate" hearing heard yesterday.
During an often acrimonious cross-examination by defence lawyer Paul Davison, QC, Larsen admitted that - in his capacity as chief executive of the Bay Milk company
- he was involved in the direct export of product without the involvement of the Dairy Board.
At that time the law required that all milk powder exports be handled by the board.
Larsen, who later became board chief executive, argued that when the exporting took place, before 1992, the export of small amounts of surplus low-grade product by dairy companies was commonplace.
He said Bay Milk had exported a product called Icelac to an Australian icecream manufacturer. It had also exported its own brand of stock feed.
It was not until the Dairy Act was restructured in 1992 that the permit system - allegedly breached by the "Powdergate" defendants - was introduced. Larsen said the board knew about Bay Milk's exporting.
Defence lawyer John Haigh, QC, asked Larsen if he had sought legal advice prior to appearing as a witness.
Larsen said he had not.
Haigh continued: "In view of your admission under oath in respect of illegally exporting product at Bay Milk, do you propose getting legal advice."
"I'll reflect on it," Larsen replied.
