Auckland Transport workers found guilty of bribery and corruption
Stephen James Borlase and Murray John Noone have been found guilty on fraud charges involving more than $1 million.
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Hawke’s Bay
An Auckland Council manager and a private contractor have been found guilty of corruption, bribery and fraud after a two-month trial in the Auckland High Court.
Stephen James Borlase and Murray John Noone have been found guilty of Crimes Act fraud charges involving more than $1 million, which took place between 2005 and 2013 at Rodney District Council and Auckland Transport.
Mr Borlase faced eight charges and Mr Noone faced six charges.Both had pleaded not guilty.
Mr Borlase was also found not guilty of four Crimes Act charges of dishonestly taking or using document.
While in senior management roles at Rodney District Council and Auckland Transport, Mr Noone received undisclosed payments and gratuities from Mr Borlase who was the director of Projenz Ltd, a supplier to Auckland Transport and Rodney District Council. The gratuities often came in the form of travel, accommodation and entertainment.
SFO director Julie Read said in a statement that it appeared that the acceptance of gratuities was considered the norm within the council's road maintenance division at the time. "All of us need to recognise that corrupt activity is at risk of gaining momentum if business turns a blind eye. That sort of behaviour cannot be tolerated if we are to continue to promote New Zealand as a safe place to invest and do business."
Another Auckland Transport manager, Barrie Kenneth James George, pleaded guilty in August for his part in the matter. Mr George received a sentence of 10 months on home detention.
Mr Borlase and Mr Noone will be sentenced in the Auckland High Court on February 22.
Staff reporter
Fri, 09 Dec 2016
Fri, 09 Dec 2016
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Auckland Transport workers found guilty of bribery and corruption
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