18 Jun 2019

Jacinda Ardern on Oranga Tamariki inquiry, ANZ boss departure

From Morning Report, 7:27 am on 18 June 2019

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the controversy surrounding departing ANZ boss David Hisco is an employment matter and the responsibility of the bank.

"Ultimately what we are talking about here are matters of personal integrity and employment matters," she tells Susie Ferguson.

"You would expect that those remain the responsibility of the board and the banks themselves.

"Both politicians and those who are leaders in high-profile organisations do need to continually focus on maintaining that integrity."

On whether Sir John Key should step down, Ms Ardern said the expenses issue had been acted on.

"As far as I can see the issue's been raised, the board has acted on it and the CEO is no longer there."

Regarding Oranga Tamariki, Ms Ardern says there is a clear message that change is needed, and that change is on its way.

Ms Ardern says Oranga Tamariki is creating partnerships with iwi, which has reduced the number of children being taken into care.