Green Party knew about “deeply serious” allegations against MP a month ago

Green Party MP Darleen Tana has been suspended amid serious allegations of migrant exploitation against her husband's company.

She was suspended on Thursday afternoon.

Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick said an investigation was currently underway as of Friday to address the substance of this case.

An investigation is being carried out by Barrister Rachel Burt.

Swarbrick Told Mike Hosking she asked Tana if she was involved in any wrongdoing but refused to say what her answer was.

“Anyone who comes to this country deserves to be treated with respect and with dignity.”

When pressed Swarbrick refused to say if Tana denied it.

“Mike, there's a reason there's an independent expert that has been appointed to look into this.”

The party knew about the serious allegations in early February she admitted.

So the leadership was aware of potential illegality within your party and you said nothing that’s a statement of fact, isn't it? Hosking asked.

“And due process needed to be followed with regard to the Employment Relations Authority and a public statement at the time would have put that fear process at risk” Swarbrick replied.

Two complaints have been made to the Employment Relations Authority.