3 December 2024
Ref: DOIA -REQ-0006075
Liam Hehir
Email: [FYI request #29074 email]
Tēnā koe Liam
Thank you for your email of 5 November 2024 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following information:
I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982. My request pertains
to the decision made by the Ministry to have staff attend training by The Pākehā Project, a
programme that, according to recent media coverage and its own promotional materials, appears
to focus on themes that may be perceived as overtly political, particularly concerning
decolonisation and systemic change.
Given the principles of political neutrality and stewardship required under the Public Service Act
2020, I am seeking detailed information on the rationale, decision-making, and assessment
processes involved. Specifically, I request the following:
Cost and Analysis: The total amount spent by the Ministry on staff attendance at The Pākehā
Project, including registration, travel, accommodation, and other expenses. Additionally, any cost-
benefit analysis or justification made prior to approving the expenditure.
Effectiveness and Outcomes: Documentation or reports detailing the measurable outcomes or
benefits observed following staff participation, along with any evaluations of the programme’s
success or impact on departmental objectives.
Approval and Decision-Making: The names or titles of officials who authorised the expenditure,
along with any records of internal discussions or concerns raised about the appropriateness or
potential political nature of the programme.
Political Neutrality: Any steps taken to ensure compliance with the principle of political neutrality,
including an assessment of whether the programme’s emphasis on decolonization could conflict
with public service requirements.
Alternative Options: Records detailing whether any alternative cultural competency training
programmes were considered, and the rationale for selecting The Pākehā Project over other
available options.
I am particularly interested in understanding how the decision to engage with this programme
aligns with public service obligations to remain apolitical while pursuing professional
development.
I am writing to advise you that MBIE needs to extend the time available to answer your request by 20
working days. MBIE’s response will be sent to you no later than 22 January 2025. Please note that the
days from 25 December 2024 to 15 January 2025 (inclusive) are defined as non-working days in the Act
and are not counted in the calculation for the response due date.
The reason for the extension is that consultations necessary to make a decision on your request are such
that a proper response cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further assistance,
please contact [email address].
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of our decision to extend the
time limit. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Tony Brown
Principal Ministerial Services Advisor
Communications, Design & Ministerial Services
