The New Zealand AIDS Foundation say they had no grounds for concern with regard to their employment of Garreth Spillane. Spillane was previously employed by the Foundation in an events and fundraising capacity before resigning to become the image-maker for Leader of the Opposition Don Brash. Spillane resigned from the National Party on Thursday; just two days after Prime Minister Helen Clark suggested in Parliament that it was odd for the National Party to employ a gay man given the public support given the party by the ultra-conservative Exclusive Brethren. The NZ Herald understands Spillane tendered his resignation following an investigation by Parliamentary Services into his work background. The NZAF say they have not been contacted by Parliamentary Services in relation to their investigation. “The employment issues alluded to in the media do not relate to Garreth's period of employment with the NZAF,” says Rachael Le Mesurier, Executive Director. “We were pleased with his initiatives in respect to the Gala Dinner and the Big Gay Out, of which he ran two, as well as the Doc Martens auction. He also doubled our membership during his time as Fundraiser.” The NZAF say they are unaware of any historical problems relating to Spillane's work history. “At the time of his employment we undertook two reference checks from prior employers, both of which were satisfactory. We did not have grounds for concern in respect to his fulfilling his job description with NZAF,” says Le Mesurier. The NZAF also say they were contacted by the National Party, to provide a reference, at the time of his appointment there. Ref: GayNZ.com (d)