13 Sep 2010

PM wants SIS role in Wilce hiring probed

8:19 pm on 13 September 2010

Prime Minister John Key has asked the State Services Commission to investigate the role of the SIS in the hiring of Stephen Wilce by the Defence Force.

Mr Wilce resigned last week after allegations were made that he had lied about his qualifications and experience on his curriculum vitae.

He had been the Defence Force's chief scientist and head of the Defence Technology Agency, and had the highest level of security clearance.

Mr Key has asked the commission to look into the role of the Security Intelligence Service and the checks they made.

The Defence Force is also preparing a report that will go to the Defence Minister in about two weeks.

Green Party defence spokesperson Keith Locke has written to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Paul Neazor, asking him to look into the matter as well.

Mr Locke says the Inspector-General has greater access to classified information than the State Services Commission.

Assurance sought over super city recruitment

Concern about Mr Wilce's appointment has prompted Local Government Minister Rodney Hide to seek assurances over recruitment for the Auckland super city.

The Labour Party says the company involved in Mr Wilce's recruitment was also used to recruit 30 people for management positions with the new Auckland council.

Mr Hide says he sought assurance from the Auckland Transition Agency that the recruitment process has been done properly and is satisfied with its response.

In a statement, the Momentum Consulting Group says all super city candidates were thoroughly vetted.