Social Investment Agency Orders External Audit of Major Procurement Contracts
The Social Investment Agency commissions an external review of contracts over $100,000 following high-profile resignations and bullying allegations within the agency.
By: AXL Media
Published: Apr 3, 2026, 3:57 AM EDT
Source: RNZ
Independent Scrutiny of High-Value Agency Contracts
The Social Investment Agency has confirmed the initiation of an independent external review targeting procurement activities exceeding the $100,000 threshold. The announcement comes as part of a response to an Official Information Act (OIA) request, signaling a proactive effort to provide public assurance regarding the agency’s financial integrity. Officials stated that the review is designed to verify that all procurement activity aligns with the Government Rules of Sourcing, particularly given the increasing complexity of the agency's mandate.
While the review remains ongoing, the SIA has emphasized that it continues to apply rigorous work management practices to ensure value for money. As the audit has not reached its conclusion, the agency noted it is currently unable to confirm if any specific breaches occurred or if any procurements required exceptions to standard rules during the period under investigation. This "top-down" assessment is expected to cover a significant portion of the agency's strategy and performance budgets.
Leadership Vacuum and the Context of Resignations
The procurement review is set against a backdrop of significant leadership turnover at the SIA. Deputy chief executive Kylie Reiri resigned in February 2026 while under investigation regarding allegations of bullying and harassment. Her departure followed that of former chief executive Andrew Coster, who quit in December 2025 in the wake of a critical report from the Independent Police Conduct Authority. The convergence of these departures has placed the agency's internal culture and administrative processes under intense parliamentary and public scrutiny.
Documents identified by the SIA include 63 items related to internal employment processes and allegations, including one email specifically referencing financial and procurement matters. Despite these documents, Reiri, through her legal representatives, has denied any knowledge of allegations concerning financial or procurement irregularities. The agency's acting chief executive, Alistair Mason, has maintained a stance of privacy regarding the specifics of the resignations, citing the sensitive nature of employment-related investigations.