An unsophisticated theft of public money's led to fears there may be similar cases

Open Justice reports Wellington-based Alister Thorby stole $1.8 million over eight months in 2021 and 2022, while managing two DHB's Covid-19 response.

The 25-year-old submitted invoices, in some cases for companies that didn't exist.

Taxpayers Union boss Jordan Williams says the theft is shocking.

He says there's something rotten in the health system, if the theft could occur across multiple DHBs.