Dear Ministry of Health,

The information I seek relates to the 1News stories concerning the lack of background checks on some aspects of Mr Tukaki’s CV before his appointment as Director of the Suicide Prevention Office.

As such I seek the following information.

While being considered for the role of Director of the Suicide Prevention Office and as part of the CV check process, was the Maori Council contacted? If not, why not?

Was any information and feedback sought from the Maori Council regarding Mr Tukaki’s time there? If not, why not?

Was the MOH aware of a complaint the Maori Council laid with Police and among those named in the complaint for emailing BNZ about the pause on the accounts is Matthew Tukaki? Did the MOH seek further information and clarification on this with people other Mr Tukaki himself? If not, why not?

Did the MOH seek clarification with the NZ Maori council regarding Matthew Tukaki’s claim he was he held the head position rather than senior roles?
If not, why not?

Yours faithfully,

James