A government probe into under-fire charity Te Kāika is more wide-ranging than previously known, the Otago Daily Times can now reveal. The DIA said it might investigate a charity where its conduct could amount to "serious wrongdoing" as defined under the Charities Act. In response to an Official Information Act request, DIA charities services manager for business improvement Helen Steven said the investigation into Te Kāika was wider than previously known. Ōtākou Health Ltd was asked to comment on the DIA investigation, including the late filing of returns and "more substantive concerns". "Late filing extensions are a normal administrative process and do not indicate wrongdoing," they said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 16, 2026 16:40 UTC