20 Aug 2012

Mangawhai ratepayers call in forensic auditor

6:02 pm on 20 August 2012

Ratepayers in the Northland town of Mangawhai are calling for an independent forensic audit of the Kaipara District Council's accounts.

The Government is replacing the council with commissioners to manage the debt crisis that provoked a rates revolt in the community.

Mangawhai Ratepayers' chair Bruce Rogan says people want an independent opinion on why the debt has soared to more than $80 million.

Mr Rogan says ratepayers have little confidence in an ongoing Auditor-General's inquiry because Audit New Zealand failed to spot serious errors in the council's accounts over several years.

He says the group is arranging a meeting between an experienced forensic auditor and the council to discuss terms of reference for an independent report.