TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS
2014:
June: Nigel Murray hired by Waikato DHB chairman Bob Simcock despite warning from doctors’ union against it. The first of Murray’s unauthorised domestic travel happens.
August: A Canadian Government review of Fraser Health finds it to be one of Canada’s worst performing.
2015: May:
Murray announces a major reshuffle of the Waikato DHB’s executive wing
June: SCC request to chief executive for 2014/15 chief executive expense disclosures
August: SSC reminder sent for 2014/15 chief executive expense disclosures
2016:
June: Bob Simcock aware of delays in responding to SSC’s request for chief executive expense disclosures.
June: SSC request to chief executives and board chairs for 2015/16 chief executive expense disclosures
October: Murray announces a joint bid with Waikato University to create the country’s third medical school.
October: Executive director, Corporate Services, Waikato DHB aware SSC returns had not been filed.
November: Executive director, Corporate
Services meets with Dr Nigel Murray and agrees a way forward for finalising SSC chief executive expense disclosures for 2014/15
November: SSC reminder sent for 2015/16 chief executive expense disclosure.
December: Waikato DHB advises SSC that
2015/16 chief executive expense disclosures will be published in January
2017.
2017:
January: Expenses show $108,000 spent travelling internationally and domestically
February: Bob Simcock aware for the first time of issues and concerns with chief executive’s expenditure. Bob Simcock with Dr Nigel Murray to discuss.
February: Waikato DHB appears before Health Select Committee.
February: 2014/15 and 2015/16 chief executive expense disclosures filed with SSC
June: Meeting with senior staff and Bob Simcock to discuss concerns held regarding chief executive’s expenditure of DHB funds.
June: Bob Simcock seeks guidance from
SSC.
June: Bob Simcock informs the Director-General of Health and Office of the Minister of Health about concerns with chief executive’s expenditure.
June: SSC request to chief executives and board chairs for 2016/17 chief executive expense disclosures.
June: Bob Simcock engages Simpson Grierson to provide independent legal advice.
July: Murray goes on annual leave for two weeks saying he will co-operate with any inquiry.
August: Murray extends his leave as investigation into his expenses continues.
August: Bob Simcock advises SSC that an investigation has commenced into the management of chief executive expenses since 2014.
October 5: A special meeting of the DHB Board resolves to accept Nigel Murray’s offer of resignation.
November: SSC appoints John Ombler, QSO, to undertake an inquiry into financial matters at Waikato DHB.
November: Audit New Zealand delivers Annual Management Report for year ended June 30, 2017.
November 28: Former board chair Bob Simcock resigns.
2018
March: The State Services Commission Ombler Report on Nigel Murray is released.