Ex-ACC executive admits ‘surfing accident’ lie but says exit was ‘settled satisfactorily’

The former executive of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has revealed that he "settled satisfactorily" with the organisation as he sought to clear the air around his departure, according to a video reported by Stuff.  

In the video, Rēnata Blair acknowledged that he "made a mistake" when he was a deputy CEO at ACC.  

"I was out with friends, I had an accident. And instead of saying what the accident was, I said it was a surfing accident. And I deeply regret it," Blair said.  

The former ACC deputy CEO, who was later appointed chief executive of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, made the remarks at a campaign event for the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust elections, where he stood and was re-elected, Stuff reported.  

"I know that with that it brought some shade on our iwi, and I deeply regret it and apologise to everybody for it," Blair told those at the event.  

"But I settled with ACC. We settled satisfactorily with a character statement for my work that I did do there. We settled in terms of how I would leave.  

"I still have the energy and the purpose and the drive to serve our people."  

ACC deputy stood down

Blair was stood down from his position as deputy CEO of ACC last year amid reports that he had been involved in a "drunken and inappropriate behaviour" at a work function.  

In a statement to Stuff, Blair reiterated that he had made a mistake in how he initially described the circumstances of an accident that occurred outside of work hours.  

"The matter was addressed directly with ACC through a confidential employment process," Blair told the news outlet.  

"I understand the expectations that come with leadership, and I have taken this seriously. I am now focused on serving Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua and the wider community."  

Tyrone Raumati, board chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, said the organisation was aware of Blair's previous employment matter and was "satisfied" that the issue had been dealt with.

According to Raumati, Blair was a standout candidate for the role and has the full confidence of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, Stuff reported.  

"I'm excited for the direction ahead and confident in the drive, energy, and experience Rēnata will bring," Raumati said, as reported by Stuff.