The Ministry of Social Development says it has engaged with 17 entities associated with 14 provincial rugby unions that claimed more than $9 million on behalf of Super Rugby players through the Wage Subsidy, Wage Subsidy Extension, Wage Subsidy Resurgence and Wage Subsidy August 2021 pandemic schemes.
In a statement, MSD Group General Manager – Client Service Support, George Van Ooyen said that since the money was granted, the Ministry has assessed additional information and now does not consider the provincial unions were eligible for some of the wage subsidy payments they received.
“We are seeking partial repayment on that basis,” said Mr Van Ooyen.
At the unions’ request, this decision is going through MSD’s review process.
“In the interest of fairness, we are unable to provide any further details while this process is ongoing,” he said.
“There is no suggestion that these wage subsidy payments were obtained fraudulently.
“Our engagement with the provincial rugby unions is part of a wider continuing work programme supporting the integrity of the wage subsidy scheme.”
That work includes investigations, post-payment checks, requests for repayment, civil recovery, and in the more serious cases, prosecutions where we believe deliberate fraud was involved, Mr Van Ooyen said.
