Justice Centre | 19 Aitken Street
DX SX10088 | Wel ington
T 04 918 8800 |
F 04 918 8820
[email address] | www.justice.govt.nz
3 December 2024
Liam Hehir
[FYI request #29075 email]
Our ref: OIA 117243
Tēnā koe Liam
Official Information Act request: Expenditure on The Pākehā Project
Thank you for your email of 5 November 2024, requesting under the Of icial Information Act
1982 (the Act) information regarding the Pākehā Project. Your request was as follows:
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
The Ministry of Justice is preparing a response to your request. However, due to the need for
external consultation, a response cannot be made within the original time limit. Accordingly, I
am extending the time limit for response by 20 working days under section 15A of the Act, and
wil respond to you on, or by 22 January 2024. I apologise for any inconvenience this extension
wil cause you.
If you require any further information, please contact Media & Social Media Manager Joe
Locke at [email address].
If you are not satisfied with this response, you have the right to make a complaint to the
Ombudsman under section 28(3) of the Act. The Of ice of the Ombudsman may be contacted
by email to [email address] or by phone on 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Louise Ainsley
Manager, Ministerial Services
