A taxpayer funded trust is being investigated by police after more than $100,000 went missing.
The Porirua-based Taeaomanino Trust is facing allegations of over-inflated expense claims and nepotism, The Dominion Post reported today.
The trust in the past has received the support of Prime Minister John Key and Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia.
The trust's founder, Ifopo So'o, was dismissed in March last year after the money went missing. Waitangirua CIB Detective Sergeant Brent Clark said police were investigating the trust following an allegation of "misappropriation of money".
Mr So'o started the trust with his wife Paula Masoe, whose daughter Geraldine Clifford is chief executive.
An investigation by independent forensic accountant Deloitte was commissioned by The Ministry of Social Development (MSD), into allegations against the trust.
It found two relatives of Mr So'o and Ms Masoe were employed as cleaners but did not clean at the trust. Their wages were diverted into accounts held in the names of Mr So'o and Ms Masoe.
Ms Masoe claimed $3500 for a carpet but there was no evidence it was laid.
Expenses were also claimed for groceries, cigarettes, magazines and Ms Masoe's use of her personal vehicle.
