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$6 Million Spent on Cancelled BCU Project, Investigation Ordered

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

MBIE chief executive Nic Blakeley told Parliament's Privileges Committee that $6 million was spent on the BCU project.
The BCU project, launched in 2018, was cancelled in November 2025 but discussed into 2026.
Blakeley said he could not confirm that the $6 million covered all spending and that an audit would be conducted.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford called the revelation a “pattern of behaviour” and announced a Public Service Commission investigation.

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Story summary

MBIE chief executive Nic Blakeley told Parliament's Privileges Committee that $6 million was spent on the BCU project.
The BCU project, launched in 2018, was cancelled in November 2025 but discussed into 2026.
Blakeley said he could not confirm that the $6 million covered all spending and that an audit would be conducted.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford called the revelation a “pattern of behaviour” and announced a Public Service Commission investigation.