A Former Manager of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) pleaded guilty to two charges under the Crimes Act and one charge under the Secret Commission Act at the Auckland District Court on February 14.
Malcolm David Mason admitted corruptly receiving a payment of $160,000 from a property developer in return for using his position at the National Property Manager of ACC to ensure the involvement of a developer known to him in the construction and leasing of a new ACC branch office.
Mr Mason also admitted corruptly receiving a gift to the value of $9000, in the form of a business class trip to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix from a real estate agent in return for involving him in securing a long-term lease for another ACC building.
He was remanded on bail for sentencing on March 15.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) brought the charges against Mr Mason.
SFO Chief Executive, Adam Feeley said the defendant had also admitted handing over a confidential document listing Government Departmental Security Officers to an associate involved in the business of installing security systems.
“Although corruption cases are rare in New Zealand, it is important to deal with them swiftly in order to maintain public confidence. The country has a hard-earned reputation for very low levels of corruption, and that reputation needs to be protected by constant vigilance by government agencies, along with public cooperation in reporting untoward activities,” he said.
Mr Feeley said that there were always lessons to be learned following a criminal investigation, and this case was no exception.
