A former employee of Auckland Transport and Rodney District Council has pleaded guilty to charges of corruption and bribery in a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) prosecution.
Barrie Kenneth James George, 69, appeared in the High Court in Auckland on August 3 to enter guilty pleas in relation to his part in a case of alleged bribery and corruption by former employees of Auckland Transport (AT) and Rodney District Council.
He pleaded guilty to two representative charges totalling $103,580.54.
The charges were brought by the SFO following an AT internal investigation that began in 2012 following claims of alleged impropriety. That investigation focused on the securing and managing of contracts, primarily in the Road Corridor Maintenance area.
As a result of the internal investigation, Mr George and several other staff were either dismissed or resigned, and the file handed over to the SFO.
A number of the claims pre-dated the formation of AT, but the CCO’s procurement and contractual processes were nevertheless subsequently reviewed and improved, according to its chief executive, David Warburton.
Mr George was charged in April 2015, together with Stephen James Borlase, and Murray John Noone.
Mr George had been employed as an engineer at Rodney District Council since 1974 and then as a senior manager at Rodney District Council and Auckland Transport where he was responsible for leading the delivery of maintenance and renewal works until 2013.
Between December 2005 and June 2013, Mr George admitted to receiving undisclosed payments or gratuities while in various engineering and management roles. The gratuities often came in the form of cash, travel, accommodation and entertainment.
SFO director Julie Read said the SFO welcomed Mr George’s acceptance of his part in this offending.
“The offending in this case occurred over approximately eight years,” she said. “In circumstances such as these, this conduct becomes part of the culture of an organisation, and can continue unquestioned. This does not excuse the offending and it is important that employees who are offered gifts, money or benefits by clients (or prospective clients) ask themselves whether their employer is aware of the offer and whether it might be an offence to accept.”
In a press release, Auckland Transport said it also welcomed the guilty plea. Mr Warburton said that the guilty plea demonstrates that AT’s systems are robust, however they need to be continually monitored and reviewed.
The two remaining defendants will stand trial later this year.
Mr George will reappear for sentencing on September 1.
