CTOS probe inches closer
A top-level investigation into the Community Trust of Southland’s treatment of former chief executive John Prendergast is still on the cards.
A spokeswoman for finance minister Grant Robertson said he had referred a matter regarding the Community Trust of Southland to the Attorney General, requesting that he consider exercising his powers under section 58 of the Charitable Trust Act.
Section 58 says it is lawful for the Attorney-General ‘‘from time to time’’ to examine and enquire into, among other things, the administration and management of charitable trusts.
The Attorney General has referred the matter to Crown Law for consideration, Robertson’s spokeswoman said.
John Prendergast resigned from his position as chief executive of the Community Trust of Southland last winter after nearly 20 years in the position; and he later said the Community Trust board had resolved unanimously that they had wanted him to resign without giving him a reason.
A group of former trust board members were outraged at how the current trust board treated Prendergast.
They said questions needed to be asked about whether Prendergast’s departure arose from any personal views and sense of grievance held by any current trustees, including as a result of events involving them prior to their appointment as trustees.
They first asked former associate finance minister Amy Adams to investigate the circumstances surrounding Prendergast’s departure, and, since Robertson has been in the seat of power in the Labour-led Government, have been asking him to investigate.
The group of former trust trustees, led by Invercargill lawyer Peter Redpath, have met personally with Mr Robertson to express their concerns and push for the investigation to proceed.
Robertson said all three parties – the current Community Trust trustees, Prendergast, and the group of former Community Trust trustees with concerns, were aware the matter was being referred to the Attorney General and onto Crown Law for consideration.
Prendergast, who wants an investigation to take place, said it was another step forward. ‘‘That’s really good . . . the Attorney General has to make a decision on whether to undertake an investigation.’’
Redpath, on behalf of the former trustees seeking the investigation, declined to comment at this stage.
Margot Hishon, the current Community Trust of Southland chairwoman, did not respond to questions.
The Community Trust of Southland is a major community funder.