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Former MP and Children's Commissioner Roger McClay is now a convicted fraudster, after admitting defrauding charities out of thousands of dollars.
The 65-year-old, who had been a representative for several well-known charities, made the surprise pleas when he appeared in court today.
He originally faced 56 charges of obtaining a pecuniary advantage for double-dipping over charity travel costs. Today he pleaded guilty to three of those charges. All other charges against him were dismissed.
Formerly a teacher, McClay entered politics in 1981 with the National Party. He remained in parliament until 1996.
Because he had been a MP, McClay was eligible for ongoing parliamentary travel perks, meaning 12 personal domestic flights every year subsidised by 90%.
But while he claimed those cheap flights, he also sent bills to several charities, charging mileage for the same trips.
He admitted billing non-profit organisation Keep New Zealand Beautiful, for whom he was the chairman, and World Vision for flights, when they were mostly paid for by the taxpayer.
Ben Lightfoot, vice chair of Keep New Zealand Beautiful, said the organisation was disappointed with McClay's actions.
"Roger has done a lot of amazing things over time, so it is disappointing that this has happened, both for us as an organisation and for him personally as well."
When the charges were first brought against McClay, he strongly denied the allegations. However when ONE News asked him today why he had changed his plea, he wouldn't comment.
McClay will be sentenced next week.
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