National had questioned the degree to which former PM and former UNDP head Helen Clark was involved in that decision. Bishop has questioned whether Bloomfield had misled the committee by saying the decision was made on clinical grounds. Photo: Getty ImagesThe text messages showed Seed telling Bloomfield that Clark had talked with both himself and Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta about the transfer. This was followed by a text saying the issue was "[a]ll sorted". Collins has questioned how much influence Clark had, and whether it was appropriate.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 09, 2021 02:03 UTC