A former high ranking military official admits the Defence Force (NZDF) did not provide then-Prime Minister John Key with all the information, in the wake of Operation Burnham.
The NZDF has come out swinging at claims it tried to cover up casualties, following an SAS led raid in 2010, as part of the fourth public hearing into allegations made in Hit and Run, by authors Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson.
Former Chief of Defence, Sir Jerry Mateparae, gave evidence, saying he was not aware of civilian casualties in the immediate aftermath of the raid.
A press release issued on August 29 2010, by ISAF (International Assistance Security Force), divulged the possibility of civilian casualties were likely due to a gun sight malfunction on one of the helicopters used during the raid.
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Counsel for the inquiry, Kristy McDonald QC, questioned why a briefing to the Minister of Defence at the time, Wayne Mapp, was different to the press releases seen by NZDF officials.
"Clearly they are wrong, and clearly they are inconsistent with hindsight," said Sir Jerry.
"We did not provide all the information to the Minister and Prime Minister, from what I can see."
The hearing is continuing.
Newshub.
