Chief defence scientist resigns

NZDF

Stephen Wilce

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The Defence Force had been looking into its chief scientist's background since being told about concerns in July, Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae has revealed.

Stephen Wilce, head of the Defence Technology Agency (DTA) and New Zealand's chief defence scientist for the past five years, resigned today following allegations on TV3's 60 Minutes programmed that he had lied on his CV and made false claims about his past.

Lt Gen Mateparae said concerns had been raised about Wilce's past in July, and after preliminary inquiries, the force decided that a fuller investigation was required.

"We were alerted through an anonymous set of information that we investigated," Lt Gen Mateparae said.

The case raised employment, security and credibility issues.

"We need to make sure we do things properly otherwise on one hand we leave ourselves open to litigation and on the other hand we may be unfair in terms of how we tread."

TV3's 60 Minutes reported last night that Mr Wilce allegedly made extravagant claims about his background, including that he had a distinguished combat career.

Mr Wilce told a reporter posing as a recruitment consultant he was a member of the British Olympic bobsleigh team in the 1980s. The programme's investigations alleged that many of his claims were false.

Mr Wilce's job means he holds the highest levels of security clearance. The DTA provides important advice to the military on technology and scientific matters, such as electronic surveillance and defence systems for navy ships, as well as classified advice to the Government on threats to air force aircraft in Afghanistan.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said he had asked for a full report on Wilce's employment, including what checks were done on his background.

He said he was not aware of concerns about Wilce being raised with the Defence Force in July, and he expected the report would include what action was taken at that time.

"I've asked the Defence Force for a full report on how he was employed and the checking that's been done, and I'll get that report fairly soon. Of course, I absolutely want to see that this sort of thing would never happen again. It is not acceptable."

He did not know whether Wilce had been working as usual up till yesterday after concerns were raised about him, and expected the report would cover that issue also.

"My concerns is that this does not happen again."

Dr Mapp said he had met Wilce once while visiting the DTA.

Wilce had access to "reasonably sensitive" information in his role, but there was no information that anything classified had been leaked or misused.

- By HANK SCHOUTEN, MARTIN KAY, and NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News