MUSEUM OF NEW
ZEALAND
Cable St
Telephone
TE PAPA
PO Box 467
64-4-381 7249
TONGAREWA
Wellington
www.tepapa.govt.nz
New Zealand
27 August 2024
Tēnā koe
Re: Official Information Act (OIA) Request – Funding and Potential Conflict of Interest
I am writing in response to your email dated 17 August 2024 in which you requested the following
information:
I am writing to request information regarding any potential conflicts of interest arising from the
funding provided by the New Zealand government to Te Papa.
As an autonomous Crown entity, Te Papa is funded by the New Zealand government.
Funding could possibly be cut for spreading unwanted information, or not spreading a certain
narrative. I would like to inquire about these potential conflict of interests that may arise from
this funding.
Please confirm whether Te Papa has been compelled to spread or withhold certain narratives
or information within the last decade through government funding. If so, are you able to
please provide all instances and related correspondences regarding funding and this
information being spread or withheld?
And the subsequent clarification:
Yes, I am asking about direct pressures or instructions from the government to alter or
withhold information in bad faith, if such instances exist.
There have been no such instances in which there were direct pressures or instructions from the
government to alter or withhold information and no such pressures related to funding.
If you are not satisfied with this response you have the right to seek an investigation and review by
the Ombudsman. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request please contact
[email address].
Yours sincerely
Frances Lawrence
Principal Advisor Planning and Performance