Russell Harrison: Health NZ spent $490k on advertisement featuring ex-Lotto presenter involved in Comancheros money laundering

Health New Zealand allocated more than $490,000 to a single advertisement that featured former Lotto presenter Russell Harrison, according to documents obtained by the Taxpayers’ Union. The significant expenditure came to light as Harrison faced serious criminal charges.

Russell Harrison, a celebrity based in Rotorua, has admitted to money laundering charges. He is reportedly facing a jail term for his involvement in hauling hundreds of thousands of dollars, a situation that was ongoing at the time the advertisement was commissioned and aired.

The Taxpayers’ Union obtained documents detailing the cost of the campaign, raising questions about the appropriateness of using public funds for an advertisement featuring an individual involved in criminal proceedings. The exact nature of the advertisement and its specific health promotion message have not been detailed in the initial reports.