J Floyd
[FYI request #22666 email]
26 May 2023
Dear J Floyd,
OIA 22-23-57: Procurement Processes at NZTE
Thank you for your email of 3 May to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), making a
request under the Of icial Information Act 1982 (the Act). You requested the following
information:
1. What training is given to NZTE employees on the Government Procurement Rules?
2. What oversight and review is undertaken to ensure the Government Procurement Rules
are followed?
3. Is the CEO of NZTE confident that the intent of the Government Procurement Rules is
followed within NZTE?
Answers to your questions are as follows:
1. Procurement training on NZTE’s procurement processes (which includes reference to the
Government Procurement Rules) is provided on an as required basis. NZTE’s internal
systems also contain guidance material which refers to the Government Procurement
Rules.
2. NZTE’s policy document (referred to as the Fine Print) requires that planning for all New
Zealand procurements over $20,000 needs Business Operations Manager approval. In
addition, NZTE’s procurement processes are subject to both internal audit by NZTE's
Business Assurance team on a risk prioritisation basis and external audit by the Office of
Auditor General in accordance with the areas of focus in their annual plan.
3. NZTE’s approach to procurement is outlined in our answers to questions one and two
above. We note that an agency is not obliged to form an opinion to answer an official
information act request, so we are refusing your request under section 18(g)(i) of the OIA.
NZTE can confirm that:
(a) The Government Procurement Rules are specifically mentioned in the Fine Print
Procurement Guideline as being something NZTE must comply with. All NZTE
contractors and employees must follow the Fine Print.
(b) NZTE’s procurement procedures incorporate the intent of the Government Procurement
Rules.
You have the right under section 28(3) of the Act to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman. Information about how to make a complaint is available at:
www.ombudsman.parliament.govt.nz or freephone: 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Melissa Trochon
Director – Board & Ministerial
T: +64 4 816 8100
F: +64 4 816 8101
W: nzte.govt.nz
W: newzealand.com/business
Level 15, The Majestic Centre, 100 Wil is Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand, PO Box 2878, Wellington 6140, New Zealand