Former Government Minister Roger McClay arrives at the
District Court to answer charges. Credit: NZPA / David
Rowland.
Former National MP and Children's Commissioner Roger
McClay will deny fraud charges, his lawyer told a court today.
McClay (65), a member of Parliament for 15 years until 1996,
faced 56 charges of using documents to obtain a pecuniary
advantage when he appeared in Auckland District Court this
morning.
The charges allege he abused his right as a former MP to get
heavily discounted, taxpayer-subsidised flights while working
for charities, including Keep New Zealand Beautiful, World
Vision and Heart Children New Zealand.
He allegedly used the flight discounts and also dishonestly
claimed mileage.
The alleged frauds began in 2005 and ranged from $109 to just
over $1100. The total sum involved was $26,000.
In court today, McClay said nothing as he stood in the dock.
His lawyer Guyon Foley said every one of the charges would be
denied and there would be a large number of statements
presented to the court.
McClay was remanded on bail until April 23.
McClay refused to talk to NZPA on the way in and out of
court.
McClay was Minister of Youth Affairs and associate Minister
of Education, Social Welfare and Pacific Island Affairs
during his spell in Parliament.
After leaving the political scene he became Children's
Commissioner and later held positions with Keep New Zealand
Beautiful, World Vision and Heart Children.
A teacher by profession, he was honoured with a Queens
Service Order for public service and his
work for children.
His son, Todd McClay, is the National MP for Rotorua.
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