“Lacking financial governance, we have observed areas where the board has failed in its obligations to effectively maintain accountability for control of the Wānanga’s financial resources”. Detailed in the report was a section of itemised spending from Tumuaki (principal) Toby Westrupp. It showed $693.50 was spent over two separate board meetings at the Speights Ale House in Hamilton.
Stuff contacted Westrupp and board chair Laurie Hakiwai to ask why the school was spending education dollars at the pub. Neither would comment.
Stuff also asked if the board took minutes at the Ale House meetings but received no answer. A question about whether parents and caregivers would consider the spending appropriate was also met with silence.