Auckland Council funded charities not filing returns

A reader writes:

I’m a concerned West Auckland ratepayer who has raised some issues about lack of transparency about money in charities linked to art and politicians. In 2015 the charities commission required significantly more detail on accounts saw a number of charities then fail to file accounts.

1. Lopdell Trust (Charity cc2875). Accounts not filed since 2015. 2014, 2015 accounts unaudited, unsigned incomplete. The trusts summary page on charities.org.nz estimates they’ve received $16 million but have expenditure of $400k. Concerns were raised with charities commission about late filing and lack of auditing and Council with no result. Trustee includes Greg Presland.

2. Lopdell Gallery. (Aka Te Uru) (CC41215) Accounts unaudited and haven’t filed accounts since 2014. 2014 accounts unaudited. They receive about $600k from Council per annum. Concerns raised with Council and charities commission without result.

3. McCahon House – (Cc10637) Also hasn’t filed accounts since 2015. An artists residency charity out west where senior artists are given residencies in a 2 bed modern house and studio with stipend next to Colin Mccahons house. From their 2014 accounts Item 14 Note “The Trust holds, for sale, a number of “Limited Edition” art works created by the residents as part of the residency agreement. These have been provided to the trust at no cost , and in accordance with accounting policy are carried at the lower of net realisable value and cost which is Nil.”

The Auckland Council should make it a requirement that any charity they give money to is in compliance with the Charities Act and has up to date financial statements filed.