11. Community Trust of Southland Trustees—Potential Conflicts of Interest and InvestigationGRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central) to the Associate Minister of FinanceCommunity Trust of Southland Trustees—Potential Conflicts of Interest and Investigation11. GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central) to the Associate Minister of Finance: Does she have confidence in the trustees of the Community Trust of Southland?Hon AMY ADAMS (Associate Minister of Finance): While I am aware of concerns that have been raised the advice I have had is that based on the information received to date and my limited role under the Community Trusts Act no formal action by me is appropriate at this time and accordingly the question of confidence does not arise.Grant Robertson: Why has she refused to launch an investigation into the Community Trust of Southland despite being formally asked to do so by two former chairs of the trust three former deputy chairs of the trust and four former members of the trust who represent a period covering 1988 to 2015 in their membership?Hon AMY ADAMS: First of all I would point out that I have not refused. I have said the information provided to date does not reach the threshold that would be required. Secondly I would point out to the member that under the Community Trusts Act I have very limited responsibilities which focus on the appointment of trustees decisions on adjustments to trust areas trust mergers and the establishment of new trusts.Grant Robertson: What has she done to verify the allegations made in the letter to her of an irregular process in the exit of the chief executive and potential conflicts of interest from the trustees?Hon AMY ADAMS: I would repeat what I said in the previous answer about my very limited role under the Community Trusts Act. What I would say to the member is that I have received advice from the administering agency which is the Department of Internal Affairs which has advised me that I follow the process that I have followed which is to indicate that at this time the information provided does not establish any grounds for an investigation. What was discussed was essentially an employment issue and for me to be involved in that according to the advice I have had would not be appropriate.Grant Robertson: Would she change her decision about an investigation if it were established that the departure of the chief executive came about as a result of a letter from the chair of the trust stating that the trustees had made a decision that the chief executive should resign even though no formal decision was taken to do that? Hon AMY ADAMS: The advice that my officials have given me is that the threshold for mounting an investigation would be specific allegations in bases relating to governance failures financial mismanagement or illegal activities. What I have done is written to the trust's chair and made it very clear that my expectations are that the trust is managed appropriately in accordance with good governance standards and I have written to the complainants and asked them to give me any further advice that they want to bring to my attention and I have said that I would be very happy to consider that.Grant Robertson: Has she or anyone from her office discussed the specific allegations in the letter from the former trustees with the current chair of the trust or any other trustees?Hon AMY ADAMS: I just said in my previous answer that I have written to the current chair of the trust and made it very clear that I have received that letter and that I expect the trust to be managed to the highest standards of governance and professionalism and I set out my expectations to her very clearly. Grant Robertson: Is the reason she has decided not to investigate the trust that those who have driven the chief executive officer out have close links to the National Party and that the chair of the trust is also the chair of the Clutha-Southland branch of the National Party?Mr SPEAKER: In so far as there is ministerial responsibility—the Hon Amy Adams.Hon AMY ADAMS: I completely refute that. The basis for my decision is exactly as I have set out which is on the basis of the advice I have received from my officials and my very limited role under the Community Trusts Act.