Roger McClay

Auckland, March 12 NZPA - Former National MP and Children's Commissioner Roger McClay will deny fraud charges, his lawyer told a court today.

McClay, 65, a member of Parliament for 15 years until 1996, faced 56 charges of using documents to obtain a pecuniary advantage when he appeared in Auckland District Court this morning.

The charges allege he abused his right as a former MP to get heavily discounted, taxpayer-subsidised flights while working for charities, including Keep New Zealand Beautiful, World Vision and Heart Children New Zealand.

He allegedly used the flight discounts and also dishonestly claimed mileage.

The alleged frauds began in 2005 and ranged from $109 to just over $1100. The total sum involved was $26,000.

In court today McClay said nothing as he stood in the dock.

His lawyer Guyon Foley said every one of the charges would be denied and there would be a large number of statements presented to the court.

McClay was remanded on bail until April 23.

McClay refused to talk to NZPA on the way in and out of court.

McClay was Minister of Youth Affairs and associate Minister of Education, Social Welfare and Pacific Island Affairs during his spell in Parliament.

After leaving the political scene he became Children's Commissioner and later held positions with Keep New Zealand Beautiful, World Vision and Heart Children

A teacher by profession, he was honoured with a Queens Service Order for public service and his work for children.

His son Todd McClay is the National MP for Rotorua.