Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says she is "looking forward" to unpacking the investigation into suspended MP Darleen Tana when it concludes.
It has been 15 weeks since the Greens launched an independent investigation into what Tana knew about alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business.
The investigation, carried out by barrister Rachel Burt, was initially expected to take four weeks but that has ballooned since more information came to light.
Appearing on AM on Monday, Swarbrick said these are deeply serious allegations that have to be responded to with "requisite seriousness".
"I am really looking forward to unpacking this with all of the due public scrutiny and accountability when this investigation and its independent expertise is concluded," she said.
"It is in no one's interest to open that can of worms, and therefore put a finger on the scale such that we end up with anything less than robust conclusions which I can then make robust decisions upon."
The first two invoices of the investigation, totalling $43,000, were paid using taxpayer money via the Green Party Leaders' Office.
Since then, the Green Party has been paying for the investigation, with a spokesperson confirming on Monday morning no further taxpayer money has gone towards it.
"With discussions with the Speaker of Parliament, [he] made the decision to shift that burden onto the Green Party itself," Swarbrick said.
Meanwhile, Tana has been receiving a full salary despite being away from Parliament.
"Again, to that effect, we will absolutely be held accountable and expect all due scrutiny on that but again, unfortunately, the reality is, that with natural justice being the priority here, we have to wait for the conclusion of that investigation."
At the centre of the accusations is E-Cycles NZ Ltd, trading as Bikes and Beyond, which is owned by Christian Hoff-Nielsen, Tana's husband.
A former employee claims they are owed around $25,000 in holiday pay and wages. They, alongside another migrant employee, have both laid claims with the Employment Relations Authority.
The Green Party leaders were notified of the first complaint laid against Tana's husband's company at the start of February. Just over a week later they were told about a second allegation.
According to the Greens, the complaints included allegations against Tana, however, she has not been a director or shareholder of the business since 2019.
The Party commissioned barrister Burt to carry out an investigation to identify what Tana knew about the allegations and how that lined up with what she told party leadership.
However, since the investigation was launched, the Greens said "further information" has come to light, which led to the investigation taking longer.
Newshub.
