Public Service Commissioner opens investigation into MBIE's handling of $33m immigration tech failure

Sir Brian Roche is investigating whether MBIE officials deliberately withheld information about the Biometric Capability Update, a $33 million project abandoned without delivering results. An independent review found gaps between a November 2023 financial assessment and a March 2024 ministerial report. The investigation concerns whether officials met Public Service Act obligations to be honest and responsive with ministers.