Dowry Update: $150,000 inquiry seriously flawed

It was revealed at the Acting Prime Minister's post-cabinet press conference yesterday that Tracey Martin (a New Zealand First Minister) will be in charge of an inquiry into the appointment process of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Wally Haumaha. 

Haumaha was selected as New Zealand First candidate in 2005, but did not contest the election. 

According to Thomas Coughlan of Newsroom, the inquiry does not answer 'key questions' regarding the appointment of Wally Haumaha, including whether Cabinet would have appointed him to his role if they had been aware of comments he had made regarding a 2004 investigation of police sexual offending. 

The result for taxpayers is a $150,000 inquiry with serious flaws. 

Winston's Dowry as at 24 July: $5.168 billion ($2989 per household)

The total cost so far is $5.168 billion - or $2989 for the average New Zealand household, although if officials continue to increase the expected cost of policies, this figure will grow. 

"The Dowry" to date:

• Provincial Growth Fund: $3 billion or $1735 per household
• Additional funding for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: $1.144 billion or $661 per household
• Additional funding for the Ministry of Defence: $426 million or $246 per household
• Additional funding for learning support: $272.8 million or $157 per household
• Additional funding for Oranga Tamariki: $269.9 million or $156 per household 
• Adjusted 'Hot horses' tax break, the new Forestry Hub, and a rename for the Ministry of Children: $55.4 million or $32.05 per household
• Haumaha Inquiry: $150,000