Lessons from New Zealand’s Largest Private Sector Corruption Case

TOPIC: 

In 2025, New Zealand witnessed the conclusion of its largest-ever private sector corruption case, involving over $4.1 million in kickbacks between two IT contractors working for Spark New Zealand. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation identified a hidden relationship between the contractors, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and payments with no commercial basis. This case underscores the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and vigilance in procurement and contract management.

As part of Fraud Awareness Week 2025, this session will explore:

• Case Overview: How the fraud was perpetrated, uncovered, and prosecuted.
• Red Flags and Risk Factors: What went unnoticed and how similar schemes can be prevented.
• Lessons Learned: The role of internal controls, whistleblowing, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Fraud Prevention is a Team Effort: Aligning with this year’s campaign theme, we’ll highlight how breaking down silos and fostering a culture of integrity can strengthen an organisation’s resilience to fraud.

Join us to reflect on real-world insights and practical strategies that empower individuals and organisations to take an active role in fraud prevention.

THE SPEAKERS: 

Ian Martin

Principal Investigator, Serious Fraud Office

Ian Martin is a Principal Investigator at the Serious Fraud Office. He joined the office nearly five years ago and is responsible for leading teams that investigate complex fraud. Prior to joining the Serious Fraud Office, Ian spent 27 years at New Zealand Police, primarily in investigations.

Sarah Revell-Dennett

Acting Principal Counter Fraud Advisor, Counter Fraud Centre, Serious Fraud Office

Sarah Revell-Dennett is the Acting Principal Counter Fraud Advisor for the Counter Fraud Centre at the Serious Fraud Office. She joined CFC in March 2021 as an advisor, based in Wellington. During her time at the SFO, Sarah has engaged with public sector organisations to help improve their counter fraud capability. Sarah has a PhD in Sociology, which looked at how moral communities construct and live out ethical behaviours, and why some people might deviate from these.