Transport Minister Michael Wood has a financial interest in Auckland Airport in the form of shares that he owns. Minister Wood failed to declare this shareholding as a conflict of interest in his transport portfolio and did not sell or declare those shares despite being asked to 12 times by the Cabinet Office.

New Zealanders are entitled to rely on Ministers being honest in their interests register and avoid obvious conflicts (especially when asked 12 times). 

Perceptions of Ministers acting in a manner that would financially benefit themselves undermines public trust in our political institutions. Allowing Minister Wood to continue in any of his Ministerial duties sends a message that a failure to declare a conflict of interest, even after a dozen reminders, is not a serious matter and risks setting a dangerous precedent for future Ministers declaring their financial interests.