From:
Andy George [DPMC]
To:
Tracey McIntosh; s9(2)(a)
Cc:
Rachel Sutherland [DPMC]
Subject:
Re: HWT Centre Governance Board meeting - Weds 28 February
Date:
Tuesday, 20 February 2024 2:57:38 pm
Attachments:
image001.png
Kia ora Board Members,
For our meeting next week, I need to give you a heads up that we will unfortunately need
to have some significant discussions about both (i) the amount of research funding (not the
operating funding that covers staff) available to the Centre for this year and (ii) the
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structure of the way that the Centre is run.
We will have senior representatives from DPMC and the University with us for part of the
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meeting to be in these discussions and will work up an agenda to focus on both these
aspects.
You will appreciate the wider environment that we are operating in at the moment and that
there are sensitivities to both of these aspects. s9(2)(a) is being briefed by the University
this afternoon. Apologies that I'm not able to provide the full details at this stage, but we
will go through all of the situation in person at our meeting next week and I know we'll
have everyone's support in collectively working through how we can best support the
Centre.
Information
In the meantime, I'd be grateful if you please do not share any of this information beyond
just the members of the Board at this stage.
I look forward to seeing you all next Wednesday.
Ngā manaakitanga, Andy
Official
From: Andy George
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2024 5:50:43 PM
the
To: Tracey McIntosh s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a)
'
s9(2)(a)
Cc: Rachel Sutherland [DPMC] <[email address]>; s9(2)(a)
under
Subject: HWT Centre Governance Board meeting - Weds 28 February
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Kia ora koutou,
I reminder that our next in-person Board meeting is scheduled for 10am-3pm on Wednesday 28
February at Victoria University of Wellington (room details to follow).
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We are working on finalising the agenda for the day and will circulate this in the few days.
Ngā manaakitanga, Andy
Andy George
Counter-Terrorism Strategic Coordinator
National Security Group
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
P s9(2)(a)
E [email address]
1982
Act
Information
Official
the
under
Released
From:
Andy George [DPMC]
To:
Tracey McIntosh
Cc:
Bridget White [DPMC]
Subject:
HWT budget changes summary
Date:
Wednesday, 29 May 2024 1:31:00 pm
Attachments:
20240530 HWT budget changes summary - EMBARGOED(4883911.1).docx
image001.png
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Kia ora Tracey,
1982
Thank you for your time in meeting with Bridget. The one-page summary of Budget decisions,
embargoed from further sharing until 2pm tomorrow, is attached.
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We’ll speak tomorrow afternoon, but in the meantime of course feel free to call if you need
anything.
Ngā manaakitanga, Andy
Andy George
Counter-Terrorism Strategic Coordinator
National Security Group
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Information
P s9(2)(a)
E [email address]
Official
the
under
Released
EMBARGOED UNTIL 2.00PM 30 MAY 2024
Budget 2024 decisions: He Whenua Taurikura National Centre of
Research Excellence
Background
He Whenua Taurikura is New Zealand’s National Centre for Research Excellence for Preventing
and Countering Violent Extremism. The Centre was established in response to
recommendation 14 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into the terrorist attack on 1982
Christchurch masjidain to “establish a programme to fund independent New Zealand-specific
research on the causes of, and measures to prevent, violent extremism and terrorism”.
It brings together research organisations and institutes, civil society organisations, and
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government to research preventing and countering violent extremism, with a focus on
understanding diversity and promoting social cohesion.
The Centre is hosted by Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington and operates
independently of Government, funded and supported through a charitable trust. A
Governance Board of trustees oversees the Centre’s work.
All of the funding to date for the Centre has been provided by the Department of the Prime
Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), through the charitable trust.
Information
Budget decisions announced on 30 May 2024
The previously planned ongoing Government funding for the Centre was $1,325,000 per year.
This was the same as the funding provided to the Centre for the 2024 academic year.
In the Government Budget 24 decisions announced on 30 May 2024,
the Centre’s future
funding has been reduced to $500,000 per year. This remaining funding can be used for the
Official
full range of functions associated with the Centre, including to continue to fund future
research projects and student scholarships.
the
This change in funding will take effect from the start of the 2025 academic year.
Existing
funding for the Centre for the current 2024 academic year is not affected.
Separately, DPMC has previously informed the Governance Board that DPMC wil not provide
any further funding for the costs of maintaining the charitable trust. The charitable trust has
under
sufficient funding to remain in operation and to run the Governance Board until the end of
2024. This does not directly affect any aspect of the funding or operation of the Centre.
Next steps
The Centre’s Governance Board wil work with the Centre Director, VUW and DPMC to consider
the implications of the changes to funding and options for a future operating model.
Any new operating model wil need to be in place for the start of the 2025 academic year.
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Final decisions of the use of DPMC funding lie with the Secretary (Chief Executive) of DPMC.
Using the available funding to support research and scholarships on preventing and
countering violent extremism wil remain a priority.
EMBARGOED UNTIL 2.00PM 30 MAY 2024
From:
Rachel Sutherland [DPMC]
To:
Tracey McIntosh
Subject:
Budget 24: Next steps
Date:
Wednesday, 12 June 2024 4:12:00 pm
Attachments:
2024-06-12 Letter HWT operating model(4890874.1).pdf
20240530 HWT budget changes summary - EMBARGOED(4883911.1).docx
20240612 Appendix B HWT Centre operating model analysis(4890435.1).docx
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Kia ora Tracey
Please find attached a letter from Bridget White (Executive Director, NSG) seeking the Board’s 1982
input into thinking about options for a viable future operating model for research and
scholarships on preventing and countering violent extremism from the 2025 academic (calendar)
year onwards.
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Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Nā
Rachel
Rachel Sutherland (she/her)
Programme Manager
National Security Group
Information
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
[email address]
s9(2)(a)
Official
the
under
Released
12 June 2024
Tracey McIntosh (acting chair)
Board of He Whenua Taurikura Trust
1982
Tēnā koe Tracey
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I am writing as a follow up to the recent Government Budget 24 decision, which reduced the
funding for the He Whenua Taurikura National Centre for Research Excellence to $500,000 per
year. A copy of the summary of that decision is attached as Appendix A.
DPMC recognises that this is a very significant change in the operating context for the Centre and
will have major implications for the Centre’s work for 2025 and beyond.
Given this, I would like to propose that as a matter of urgency the Trust Board provide DPMC with
advice on future operating models. In particular, DPMC is considering how the $500,000 of
available funding can be most productively used to support research and scholarships on
Information
preventing and countering violent extremism from the 2025 academic (calendar) year onwards.
There are a range of potential options for a future operating model and DPMC has developed an
initial set of these for your consideration and discussion (attached as Appendix B). As DPMC’s
key partner in this work, I am now seeking the Board’s input and advice on these and any other
options that you may consider to be viable.
It is important to note that final decisions regarding the use of this funding appropriation from 2025
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onwards will rest with the Secretary (Chief Executive) of DPMC. The overarching priority in
making these decisions wil be ensuring that a sustainable operating model is established that is
as effective and efficient as possible in delivering the intent of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s
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Recommendation 14.
The extent to which the operating model can effectively and efficiently provide contestable
research grants to New Zealand academics and researchers on the causes of, and measures to
prevent, violent extremism and terrorism wil therefore be a key consideration.
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Additionally, the benefits of a Master’s Scholarship programme have been demonstrated since
the first round of this was initiated in 2021. Continuing this in an effective and efficient manner will
therefore also be a key consideration.
Certainty for all stakeholders, in particular the Centre Director and her staff, is important as we
work through this process. I therefore ask that the Board provide me with its advice by 9 August
to enable timely decisions to be made and any transition arrangements that are required to be
put in place as soon as possible.
Released
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 830 5000 dpmc.govt.nz
Thank you for your collective ongoing work to support the Centre. I and my staff are available at
any time if you wish to discuss operating model options or any other aspect of this letter.
Ngā mihi nui
Bridget White
1982
Executive Director
National Security Group
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Information
Official
the
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DPMC: 4890145
Page 2 of 2
APPENDIX A
Budget 2024 decisions: He Whenua Taurikura National Centre of
Research Excellence
Background
He Whenua Taurikura is New Zealand’s National Centre for Research Excellence for Preventing
and Countering Violent Extremism. The Centre was established in response to
recommendation 14 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry report into the terrorist attack on
Christchurch masjidain to “establish a programme to fund independent New Zealand-specific 1982
research on the causes of, and measures to prevent, violent extremism and terrorism”.
It brings together research organisations and institutes, civil society organisations, and
government to research preventing and countering violent extremism, with a focus on
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understanding diversity and promoting social cohesion.
The Centre is hosted by Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington and operates
independently of Government, funded and supported through a charitable trust. A
Governance Board of trustees oversees the Centre’s work.
All of the funding to date for the Centre has been provided by the Department of the Prime
Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), through the charitable trust.
Budget decisions announced on 30 May 2024 Information
The previously planned ongoing Government funding for the Centre was $1,325,000 per year.
This was the same as the funding provided to the Centre for the 2024 academic year.
In the Government Budget 24 decisions announced on 30 May 2024,
the Centre’s future
funding has been reduced to $500,000 per year. This remaining funding can be used for the
full range of functions associated with the Centre, including to continue to fund future
Official
research projects and student scholarships.
This change in funding will take effect from the start of the 2025 academic year.
Existing
the
funding for the Centre for the current 2024 academic year is not affected.
Separately, DPMC has previously informed the Governance Board that DPMC will not provide
any further funding for the costs of maintaining the charitable trust. The charitable trust has
sufficient funding to remain in operation and to run the Governance Board until the end of
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2024. This does not directly affect any aspect of the funding or operation of the Centre.
Next steps
The Centre’s Governance Board will work with the Centre Director, VUW and DPMC to consider
the implications of the changes to funding and options for a future operating model.
Any new operating model will need to be in place for the start of the 2025 academic year.
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Final decisions of the use of DPMC funding lie with the Secretary (Chief Executive) of DPMC.
Using the available funding to support research and scholarships on preventing and
countering violent extremism will remain a priority.
Appendix B: Initial future operating model options for analysis
ABILITY TO DELIVER KEY PURPOSES 1
CONTESTABLE
STUDENT
OPTION
PROS
CONS
RESEARCH FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS
BOARD COMMENTS (INCLUDING ON COST-EFFECTIVENESS)
1 Maintain current Centre-based research model
•
•
No change to current Centre operating model.
•
•
2 Research / scholarship programme – administered by Centre
•
•
Refocus the HWT Centre to soley focus on delivering and administering a •
•
research and scholarship grants programme, to support and enable
external research through contestable funding.
3 Research / scholarship programme – administered by HWT Trust
•
•
Disestablish the HWT Centre in its current form. Maintain the HWT Trust
•
•
to directly deliver and administer a research and scholarship grants
programme.
4 Research / scholarship programme – administered elsewhere
•
•
outside government2
•
•
Disestablish the HWT Centre in its current form. Fund an existing
research facility / organisation with expertise in funding administration to
deliver a research and scholarship grants programme.
5 Research / scholarship programme – administered by an
•
•
appropriate Government agency3
•
•
Disestablish the HWT Centre in its current form. Deliver a research and
scholarship grants programme directly through an approriate government
agency.
6 Other operating model
•
•
•
•
under the Official Information Act 1982
1 The key purposes focused on by DPMC for funding any future operating model are effectively and efficiently delivering contestable research funding, as recommended by the Royal Commission of Inquiry, and student (likely primarily Master’s) scholarship funding. These are the first and third of
the nine purposes of the current HWT Trust (and hence of the current HWT Centre), which was established to fund, facilitate and promote research into the prevention and countering of violent extremism in New Zealand by:
(a)
establishing and administering one or more contestable research funds to support New Zealand-specific research on the causes of, and measures to prevent, terrorism and violent extremism;
(b)
providing support (including but not limited to funding) to civil society and community organisations for projects relating to researching or improving public understanding in New Zealand of preventing and countering violent extremism;
(c)
establishing scholarships to incentivise continued research into the prevention and countering of violent extremism in New Zealand;
(d)
establishing a public facing website to educate and facilitate collaboration in the field of the prevention and countering of violent extremism in New Zealand;
(e)
creating a policy briefs series based on New Zealand research on preventing and countering violent extremism;
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(f)
creating channels for proactive information sharing in the field of the prevention and countering of violent extremism in New Zealand;
(g)
providing and facilitating advice to government and other groups and organisations on preventing and countering violent extremism in New Zealand;
(h)
holding and supporting events and workshops relating to the prevention and countering of violent extremism in New Zealand, including the annual He Whenua Taurikura hui; and
(i)
creating and administering secondment opportunities for practitioners and researchers to spend time in government or in research/civil society organisations and institutes to enable experiential learning into the prevention and countering of violent extremism in New Zealand.
DPMC’s initial assessment is that the other seven current purposes would be unlikely to be met to a significant level by any of the future operating model options with only $500k per annum and would hence not be primary focus areas. However, some of these other aspects – such as (e) creating
a policy briefs series, and (g) providing and facilitating advice to government and other group / organisations – could potentially be tied to the research and scholarships components and stil be achieved to some level. DPMC would welcome the Board’s advice on this.
2 For example – a University research office, the Royal Society of New Zealand (similar to the Marsden Fund), s9(2)(a)
, or a research-focused NGO. Note: none of these organisations has been approached or assessed to be feasible. They are conceptual examples.
3 Potentially DPMC or the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), but more likely an agency with experience in administering research funding such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) or the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).
From:
Rachel Sutherland [DPMC]
To:
Tracey McIntosh
Subject:
RE: Feedback on proposed Centre Models
Date:
Wednesday, 21 August 2024 3:15:00 pm
Thanks Tracey
From: Tracey McIntosh s9(2)(a)
>
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 2:42 PM
To: Rachel Sutherland [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Feedback on proposed Centre Models
1982
Kia ora Rachel,
Act
That is correct. I aim to get that advice to you by the 30th of August. I have a few further
discussions to have and then to seek general agreement by the Board.
Mauri ora,
Tracey
Tracey McIntosh, Professor in Indigenous Studies|
Wānanga o Waipapa | Faculty of Arts University of Auckland
s9(2)(a)
| Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Social Development
Commissioner, Criminal Cases Review Commission
Information
Co-Editor, AlterNative:An International Journal Of Indigenous Peoples
From: Rachel Sutherland [DPMC] <[email address]>
Official
Date: Wednesday, 21 August 2024 at 1:30 PM
To: Tracey McIntosh s9(2)(a)
Subject: Re: Feedback on proposed Centre Models
the
Tēna kōe Tracey
Just further to our emails below, I wanted to confirm that we’ll receive some advice
from the board by the end of August?
under
Rachel
From: Tracey McIntosh s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 10:48:58 AM
To: Rachel Sutherland [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Feedback on proposed Centre Models
Released
Kia ora Rachel,
The Board has a preference for Option 2 with a greater discussion needed on what this
could look like in practice.
Mauri ora,
Tracey
Tracey McIntosh, Professor in Indigenous Studies|
Wānanga o Waipapa | Faculty of Arts University of Auckland
s9(2)(a)
| Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Social Development
Commissioner, Criminal Cases Review Commission
Co-Editor, AlterNative:An International Journal Of Indigenous Peoples
From: Rachel Sutherland [DPMC] <[email address]>
1982
Date: Wednesday, 7 August 2024 at 10:42 AM
To: Tracey McIntosh <s9(2)(a)
Act
Subject: RE: Feedback on proposed Centre Models
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Kia ora Tracey
Thanks for this. I understand that you still have some work to do on this advice, and later this
month will be fine.
In the meantime, if the Board has a preferred option, it would be helpful to know this in advance
so we can commence work in alignment with the Board
Information
Rachel
From: Tracey McIntosh s9(2)(a)
>
Sent: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 10:19 AM
To: Rachel Sutherland [DPMC] <[email address]>
Official
Subject: Feedback on proposed Centre Models
Kia ora Rachel,
the
Ngā mihi ki a koe.
I recognise that the Bridget was hoping that the Board would give some feedback on the
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proposed Centre models by August 8. The Board is asking that we provide feedback by the
end of the month as it will allow us to incorporate feedback from the Director, the
university and the centre staff in terms of effective proposed change in light of current
funding.
Mauri ora,
Tracey
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Tracey McIntosh, Professor in Indigenous Studies|
Wānanga o Waipapa | Faculty of Arts University of Auckland
s9(2)(a)
Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Social Development
Commissioner, Criminal Cases Review Commission
Co-Editor, AlterNative:An International Journal Of Indigenous Peoples
From:
Tracey McIntosh
To:
Rachel Sutherland [DPMC]
Subject:
Re advice on operating models HWT
Date:
Friday, 30 August 2024 8:21:11 am
Attachments:
Advice on operating models.docx
Kia ora Rachel,
Please see attached the Board’s comments and advice on future operating models for
HWT.
Mauri ora,
1982
Tracey
Tracey McIntosh, Professor in Indigenous Studies|
Act
Wānanga o Waipapa | Faculty of Arts University of Auckland
s9(2)(a)
| Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Social Development
Commissioner, Criminal Cases Review Commission
Co-Editor, AlterNative:An International Journal Of Indigenous Peoples
Information
Official
the
under
Released
1982
Act
29 August 2024
Tēnā koe Bridget,
Following your request for the He Whenua Taurikura Trust to provide advice on future
operating models for the He Whenua Taurikura (HWT) National Centre of Research
Excellence currently hosted by Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka
Information
please find below our comments and advice.
1. On receipt of your letter the Board has had a number of meetings to discuss the
proposed operating models in light of the funding cuts and to discuss the future
of the Centre. The Board has also met with the Director and with the kaimahi of
the Centre. The Acting Chair has had additional discussions with the Director,
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individual meetings with Board members and with the Vice-Provost ( Research)
Professor Margaret Hyland of the host university. The Acting Chair also looked at
models used by other Centres with modest budgets and small FTE. This informs
the
the advice given.
2. Due to the potential perceived conflict of interest board member Andy George
has had a limited involvement and has only attended one meeting where these
issues were discussed. Further to this Andy George has not contributed to or
been involved in the comments and advice here given.
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3. The Board acknowledges and honours the memory of the 51 shuhada, the 40
individuals who suffered gun injury and the many thousands of people impacted
in New Zealand and across the world in the terrorist attack on the Al Noor
Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on March 15, 2019. This profound loss,
through ideological and terrorist violence, continues to resonate strongly here
and abroad. Following the attack there has been a call to action.
4. We recognise that the Centre was established in response to recommendation
14 of the Royal Commission Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch
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madjidain. This recommendation called for the establishment of a programme to
fund independent New Zealand specific research on the causes of, and
measures to prevent, violent extremism and terrorism.
5. The Board expresses its disappointment that the scope and intent of the
recommendations of the Royal Commission have not been fully realised which
makes the work of the Centre even more critical.
6. The Board recognises that the kaupapa of the Centre to support, encourage and
promote research on preventing and countering violent extremism with a focus
on understanding diversity and promoting social cohesion is work of national
importance.
7. The Board endorses the current positioning of the Centre as a Te Tiriti led
organisation and believe this is important to maintain into the future. It is a
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distinctive feature of Aotearoa New Zealand and can be an important vehicle to
realise the aspirations of a flourishing land of peace
and at peace.
8. We recognise the challenges that occur in the establishment phase of a Centre
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and the many learnings that have been captured at the funder (DPMC), Board
and Centre level. These learnings need to inform the future of the Centre so that
it can continue to prosper and grow. Challenges experienced by He Whenua
Taurikura are not novel to a new organisation, indeed they are a common feature
of all new research entities. However, it is recognised that there have been
particular challenges that the Centre, the Board and DPMC have faced that have
made it more difficult for the centre to fully undertake its work. The lack of
certainty has also taken a considerable toll.
9. The Board endorses the work and commitment of the Centre leadership and
Information
kaimahi who have worked tirelessly to realise the aspirations of the Centre and
who have expressed their deep commitment and desire to continue and expand
the work programme even with the huge funding cuts.
10. There is an openness amongst the kaimahi to extend their work to ensure that
the needs of all stakeholders are understood and responded to. The broad
research area is complex and the challenges are real for a small and new
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organisation.
11. The significance of the funding cuts signalled in Budget 2024 have added further
pressure. The level of the cuts, we would argue, are nearly unprecedented for a
the
research centre. Earlier signalled cuts, notification of the disestablishment of the
Trust/Board plus the Budget announcement cuts has meant that the centre has
lost 75% of its funding. Short of closing down a research centre by cutting all
funding this is as drastic as it can get. Issues of sustainability must be addressed
and commitment to the kaupapa must be made by the funder.
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12. The Board strongly believes that there needs to be some level of commitment
beyond 2025 to HWT. We recognise the unique challenges this presents in terms
of not knowing what future budget allocations might be but for the Centre to be
able to attract external funding , for it to be able to further its reputation, and
most importantly for the government to reiterate its commitment to communities
most likely to be impacted by extremist violence this needs to occur.
13. Internationally, the work that the centre is charged to undertake is seen as one of
the top global research priorities. Foundational work undertaken by the Centre
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already means it is well placed to facilitate research that is deeply significant to
New Zealand and that aligns with international research calls.
14. We have already noted our belief in the importance of the continuation of the
Centre’s work and so have sought to engage with the initial set of proposed
models developed by DPMC (Appendix B). In considering all five proposed model
we believe that Option 2 which looks at the research and scholarship programme
being administered by the Centre is the one that should be considered and
developed. Option 1 would be the preference if funding levels were higher but
there is a recognition that the funding cuts demand refinement and necessitate a
short, medium and long-term plan.
15. Option 2 means there is a recognition that there is baseline funding in place to
ensure the continuation of contracted roles (though the work programme is likely
to need to be revised so that objectives are realised) and the prioritisation of
1982
administering a contestable research and scholarship programme. It is to be
noted that in 2025 there are carry over funds that can be used to support ongoing
activities of the Centre.
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16. With the disestablishment of the Trust/Board this operating model is best
supported by the Centre being hosted by Victoria University of Wellington Te
Herenga Waka through a contract directly between DPMC and the University.
This is a standard model that the university is very familiar with. The contractual
arrangement will then be much simplified and will lead to a far greater clarity of
responsibilities, accountabilities and reporting lines than is presently the case. It
is also noted that the Centre, in keeping with other University centres, would also
be seen as a facilitator and coordinator of research activity rather than be seen
as solely responsible for the majority of the delivery of the research.
Information
17. Discussions between DPMC and the University should start immediately.
18. Formal disestablishment of the Trust Board should be started immediately to
ensure a smooth transition.
19. The funding for 2025 and beyond will require a rethinking of FTE to align with
budget. The Director’s position as the most expensive is likely to need a
reduction of FTE but this detail needs to be determined when looking at the
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future work programme under the new model. Work will need to be scaled down
in line with the funding but also with an eye to the future where it could be scaled
back up. Succession planning is important for any research organisation as well
the
as a focus on career progression.
20. An Advisory Board should be appointed that can support the Centre in
determining its strategic direction and meeting its objectives. It thinking about
the composition of the advisory board it is imperative that there is community
representation. There should also be members who have research expertise.
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Māori representation should also make up the composition of the Advisory
Group. While the advisory board would not be renumerated (as is common
across university centres) expenses would need to be budgeted for. With a
combination of online and in-person meetings these are likely to be modest.
21. The outgoing Board believes that community representation continues to be
crucial to the success of HWT. It is important for ensuring that HWT is
community centred and community responsive. Already we have seen the work
that HWT has done in increasing the capacity and diversity of the research
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community and this must remain to be seen as an important success factor of
the centre.
22. Facilitation of research and increasing research collaboration are areas that the
advisory board need to be able to give direction, advice and support for.
23. Given the quantum of the funding there is concern on whether contestable
funding will be of a level to ensure sufficient interest and quality of research
proposals. It needs to be considered if Request for Proposal calls should be
limited to one theme area each year determined by the research committee in
consultation with stakeholders or if commissioning should be explored.
24. The Board believes that Option 2 would allow the centre to refocus and refresh.
The other options would not only be more expensive due to set-up costs and the
pains of re-establishment but also would mean that the significant work that has
been done and the achievements already made could be lost. It is important to 1982
be conscious of the achievements and the outputs thus far. It is important to
acknowledge new relationships that have been made. It is right also to look at
where lessons need to be learnt and where new directions can be mapped.
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25. Most Board members sat on all or many of the meetings prior to the setting up
the Centre and we saw a demand for a new vison in thinking about preventing
and countering extremism and associated violence and what work on social
cohesion and inclusion could bring. The path has not been smooth but this
kaupapa is too important to not try and ensure the continuation of HWT and to
build on its foundations.
Information
On Behalf of the Board
Official
Acting Chair Tracey McIntosh the
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Released
From:
Manisha Bhikha [DPMC]
To:
Tracey McIntosh
Cc:
Bridget White [DPMC]
Subject:
Letter to Chair of HWT Board of DPMC Decision
Date:
Wednesday, 16 October 2024 4:51:00 pm
Attachments:
image001.png
2024-10-16 Letter to Chair of HWT Board of DPMC Decision 16 Oct(4958573.1).pdf
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Tēnā koe Tracey,
1982
Please find attached a letter to you in your role as Chair of the He Whenua Taurikura Board on
the DPMC decision on funding of HWT Research Centre. Please share with the HWT Board.
Act
After Board review, please let us know how you’d like to proceed with next steps. In Andy and
Rachel’s absence I’m happy to be contacted anytime to discuss if needed.
Nāku noa, nā
Manisha
Manisha Bhikha she/her/Ms
Acting Counter-Terrorism Strategic Coordinator
National Security Group
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
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16 October 2024
Professor Tracey MacIntosh
Chair
He Whenua Taurikura Trust Governance Board
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Tēna koe Tracey
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DPMC CE decision on resolution of HWT Trust Board
Thank you for the Board’s continued support for the He Whenua Taurikura (HWT) Research
Centre and your patience as we sought Chief Executive decision on the future of the Department
of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) funding of the Centre.
The preferred option proposed by the Board to DPMC was for a preventing and countering violent
extremism (PCVE) research and scholarship programme administered by the current HWT
Research Centre.
We assess that this model is not the most effective and efficient use of the limited public funding
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available to deliver high quality outputs from PCVE researchers across the country. The operating
costs associated with running the National Research Centre means it is not feasible with the level
of funding available.
Following consideration of options, including those proposed by the Board, DPMC has decided
to cease funding to the HWT Research Centre and all other direct DPMC support to the Centre
will end on 31 December.
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Consistent with the Board recommendation to use the Centre’s underspend, and to provide
certainty for Centre staff, DPMC will work directly with Victoria University to establish a new
contract to oversee the use of and deliverables from these funds until July 2025.
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The Board members are now able to agree a resolution to dissolve the Trust and we will continue
working together with you to progress this.
All remaining Trust funds should be returned to DPMC, prior to the Trust being wound up.
Once again, I thank you and the Board for your significant contributions to the development of the
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Centre and governance.
Ngā manaakitanga
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Bridget White
Executive Director
National Security Group
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 830 5000 dpmc.govt.nz
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From: Tracey McIntosh
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Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2024 2:50 PM
To: s9(2)(a)
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Andy George [DPMC] <[email address]>; s9(2)(a)
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Cc: Manisha Bhikha [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: DPMC funding decision letter.
Importance: High
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Kia ora koutou,
Please find attached the letter I received as Acting Chair of the He Whenua Taurikura Trust
on the DPMC decision on funding of the HWT Research Centre. I recognise the need for all
parties to be informed including the Trustees (appointed by DPMC), the Centre through the
Director and the University of Victoria through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).
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This letter will be a profound disappointment to all of us. The kaupapa of the centre is a
critical and important one and there should be pride in what has been achieved.
Mauri ora,
Tracey
Tracey McIntosh, Professor in Indigenous Studies|
Wānanga o Waipapa | Faculty of Arts University of Auckland
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Chief Science Advisor, Ministry of Social Development
Commissioner, Criminal Cases Review Commission
Co-Editor,
AlterNative:
An International Journal Of Indigenous Peoples
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From: FIANZ Advocacy s9(2)(a)
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Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2024 8:00 AM
To: Ben King [DPMC] <[email address]>; Bridget White [DPMC]
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<[email address]>
Cc: Andy George [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Request for brief meeting
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Morena and Asalaamu Alaikum Ben
I shall be most grateful for a brief meeting with you or Bridget to clarify the options with
respect to the National Centre of Excellence for PCVE. I understand that Andy is away.
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I envisage no more that 20 minutes, (whenever is convenient) since there is widespread concern
in not just our community but also others on the way forward.
I am being asked by many in the media, some academics and also leaders of other communities.
As you know, this Centre was developed through extensive community consultation and it's
defunding has been without any community comms.
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A positive and proactive engagement on the options would be appreciated.
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