20 September 2023
Harris Leigh
[FYI request #24158 email]
Dear Harris
Official Information Request
Our Ref: OIA 2023-0218
I refer to your official information request received on 15 September 2023 where you asked:
“On 3 September 2023, National Party housing spokesperson, Chris Bishop MP was reported as
saying “Hope so” when asked if there wil be job losses at Kainga Ora following the formation
of a National-led Government after this year's elections.
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stuff.co.nz%2Fna
tional%2Fpolitics%2F132860241%2Fnationals-chris-bishop-promises-change-around-kinga-
ora&data=05%7C01%7Ccommission%40publicservice.govt.nz%7C3954bd663b0143a6a32a08d
bb5a518a8%7C41e14a91587d4fbf8dead6aea7148019%7C0%7C0%7C638303492920435440%7
CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJ
XVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DvSYelVbB1osNJvBEfyFbHgQKo83pQEzUK9RYiTp
r3Q%3D&reserved=0
Under the OIA I seek copies of any information held by the PSC relating to these comments.
Without limitation of the above I specifically seek information about any advice you have
provided to Kainga Ora or HUD relating to how they should prepare for redundancies in the
case of a potential change of government in a manner that is consistent with good faith
requirements of the Employment Relations Act and/or how to avoid concerns about
predetermination based on Mr Bishop's comments.”
Our response
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission (the Commission) does not hold any information in
relation to the comments made by Mr Chris Bishop on 3 September 2023 in the Stuff media article link
you provided in your request.
The Commission also has not provided any information or advice to Kāinga Ora – Homes and
Communities or the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development relating to preparing for
redundancies in the event of a potential change of government.
Accordingly, I have refused your request under section 18(e) of the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA),
on the grounds that the information requested does not exist.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact
[email address].
Level 10, RBNZ Building | 2 The Terrace | PO Box 329
Wel ington 6140 | New Zealand
Phone +64 4 495 6600
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Please note that we intend to publish this letter (with your personal details removed) on the Te Kawa
Mataaho Public Service Commission’s website.
Yours sincerely
Nicky Dirks
Manager – Ministerial and Executive Services
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
Document Outline
