Auditor-General investigators to look into Judith Collins' KiwiBuild concerns

National MP Judith Collins' concerns about aspects of the KiwiBuild programme are being considered as part of an annual audit of the Housing Ministry.

Collins said her main concern was a deal to underwrite houses already being built in Canterbury and Auckland. That was contrary to what Cabinet had approved funding for, she said.

In a letter to Collins, dated July 11, the Office of the Auditor-General said an annual audit of the Housing Ministry was under way. As part of that, auditors intended to review the process by which KiwiBuild projects were approved.

Collins' concerns had been referred to the auditors for them to consider.

The Auditor-General also signalled a review would be carried out into the implementation of KiwiBuild, along with a review of the benefits realised through the programme, the letter said.

Collins said she was pleased the Auditor-General was taking the matter seriously.

Spokeswoman for KiwiBuild head of delivery Helen O'Sullivan said every deal had been assessed by legal advisors and Treasury, and they all met the requirements of Cabinet's business case, Radio NZ reported.

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