Tessa Goldsack
From:
Blair McRae
Sent:
Monday, 29 July 2019 5:46 PM
To:
Grant Guilford; Katherine Edmond
Cc:
Wendy Larner; Vicki Faint; Bridie Cooper
Subject:
Re: Bryce Edwards
Thanks Grant – Katherine and I will find a time to meet with Bryce soon. Looks an interesting opportunity.
ACT
Cheers
Blair
From: Grant Guilford <[email address]>
Date: Friday, 26 July 2019 at 11:23 AM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Cc: Wendy Larner <[email address]>, Blair McRae <[email address]>, Vicki Faint
INFORMATION
<[email address]>
Subject: Bryce Edwards
Hi Katherine/Blair
I had an interesting chat to Bryce Edwards today. He is keen to get closer to the University and to try and better
align his various commentary roles with us. He only has a loose affiliation with the University now (through the IGPS)
and some contract teaching into politics. He has some significant media relationships and good profile as you know
and he offers some interesting services to the media that may have the potential to be better monetised. He has
OFFICIAL
some new service ideas which include video content. He doesn’t see himself as a mainstream academic – more in
the engagement/communications space through critical analysis/political commentary. Obviously, this sort of thing
fits closely with our capital city university identity and will be even more important if we eventually draw a structure
THE
of some sort around our Governing for the Future differentiator.
I have offered encouragement to him about being more closely affiliated and suggested a first step to talk to you
Katherine and Blair (probably together) about whether you see any potential synergies with the
comms/engagement team. Blair it would be good if you can be part of the conversation as at the very least Bryce
might benefit from a bit of clarity on how he monetises what he is doing either with us or on his own. Once you’ve
had a chance to meet, I’d appreciate a debrief.
UNDER
Thanks both.
Grant
Professor Grant Guilford Vice-Chancellor | Tumu Whakarae
RELEASED
1
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Katherine Edmond
Sent:
Wednesday, 7 August 2019 11:36 AM
To:
Madeleine Setchell
Subject:
Bryce Edwards follow up
Hi Madeleine,
Blair and I had a meeting yesterday with Bryce Edwards, at the request of the VC (Grant’s original email down ACT
below).
Bryce outlined what he is doing with his expertise, summarised below:
‐
Commentary and media engagement is his passion and his brand for doing this (with a colleague in
Palmerston North) is ‘Critical Politics’
‐
He currently provides a regular column to The Herald, which is also sent to a mailing list of subscribers
‐
He also sends a daily email ‘New Zealand Politics Daily’ to a list of subscribers (and contributes that to
Newsroom)
‐
He talks on media programmes and at conferences etc, sometimes for a fee
‐
He is an associate of IGPS (not paid)
‐
He does contract teaching in politics for FHSS
‐
He knows he needs to do fundraising for his business
INFORMATION
‐
He is connected to the University but says that connection is ‘thin’ and he would like it to be stronger.
He wants to build his offering and find ways to monetise it.
He is looking to use for ideas/backing.
Blair saw an opportunity (I am not clear on whether Bryce saw the same opportunity or perhaps it was more that it
OFFICIAL
was a new direction for Bryce that he hadn’t considered before) to secure and organise the data Bryce has collected
over the last 8 years and find a way to charge people for this information/insights. Blair popped into my meeting
with Grant and suggested they put a person from the project office on this and find a way to gather and secure
Bryce’s data and give him a place to work at the University (not attached to any particular School necessarily). Blair
THE
also talked about potentially accessing research grants for this aspect.
He also talked about the opportunity he sees with election year next year, and Grant is quite excited about this.
In Bryce’s words, we could be a ‘one‐stop‐shop’ for the 2020 election, working with his business and offering
opportunities to students to get involved in things, and raising our profile in this area.
I guess if this happened we would be closely associated in name and branding with what he is doing.
UNDER
I asked Grant about money to support this and he said perhaps it could be part of the communications budget for
next year. He has very little of his own budget left.
Bryce is also potentially interested in support from us in producing a daily podcast/video that he is pitching to The
Herald. I haven’t thought about how this would work, but he would benefit from access to help in creating
professional podcast and video material.
Lots to think about. You may want to discuss with Blair while I am away?
Katherine
RELEASED
From: Grant Guilford <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 26 July 2019 11:24 AM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Cc: Wendy Larner <[email address]>; Blair McRae <[email address]>; Vicki Faint
1
<[email address]>
Subject: Bryce Edwards
Hi Katherine/Blair
I had an interesting chat to Bryce Edwards today. He is keen to get closer to the University and to try and better
align his various commentary roles with us. He only has a loose affiliation with the University now (through the IGPS)
and some contract teaching into politics. He has some significant media relationships and good profile as you know
and he offers some interesting services to the media that may have the potential to be better monetised. He has
some new service ideas which include video content. He doesn’t see himself as a mainstream academic – more in
the engagement/communications space through critical analysis/political commentary. Obviously, this sort of thing
fits closely with our capital city university identity and will be even more important if we eventually draw a structure
ACT
of some sort around our Governing for the Future differentiator.
I have offered encouragement to him about being more closely affiliated and suggested a first step to talk to you
Katherine and Blair (probably together) about whether you see any potential synergies with the
comms/engagement team. Blair it would be good if you can be part of the conversation as at the very least Bryce
might benefit from a bit of clarity on how he monetises what he is doing either with us or on his own. Once you’ve
had a chance to meet, I’d appreciate a debrief.
Thanks both.
Grant
Professor Grant Guilford
INFORMATION
Vice-Chancellor | Tumu Whakarae
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
2
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Blair McRae
Sent:
Thursday, 3 October 2019 2:02 PM
To:
Bryce Edwards; Katherine Edmond
Subject:
Re: Update on NZ politics engagement project
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Completed
ACT
Thanks Bryce – let’s have a chat Katherine.
I am around.
Cheers
Blair
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
INFORMATION
Date: Thursday, 3 October 2019 at 1:43 PM
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: Update on NZ politics engagement project
Hi again Katherine and Blair
I’m just updating you on things with my public political engagement project.
OFFICIAL
I don’t know if I told you, but I’m currently teaching two Politics courses at VUW (on contract, as I did last year
as well). I finish teaching these courses next week, and so I’m hoping to quickly turn to making some decisions
about where to go with the project. With teaching out of the way, I’ll also have more time to get back into
THE
producing more output.
9(2)(b)(ii)
UNDER
Also, I meant to say, you or anyone else are welcome to join either of my two email distribution lists (for my daily
email of NZ Politics Daily links; or for my Political Roundup columns). If so, sign up here: https://us16.list-
manage.com/subscribe?u=c73e3fe9e4a0d897f8fa2746e&id=827d6f9e7e
RELEASED
I’m hoping to make some decisions about these email lists over the next couple of weeks, and probably
undertake a campaign to try and sign up another thousand or so subscribers. But it all depends on what else I
decide in terms of the broader project.
So, please do get back to me about any advice you have, or any interest you have in terms of my proposals for
VUW – I need to make some decisions quite soon.
1
Cheers
Bryce
On 16 Sep 2019, 9:29 AM +1200, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>, wrote:
Hi Bryce,
Apologies for the delay in coming back to you.
I thought the document was really good and there are aspects of its that I definitely think we should discuss
further from a Communications, Marketing and Engagement Group perspective.
ACT
I have asked the Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement to consider your proposals and am
waiting to hear back.
I will also follow up with Blair.
We will be back in touch.
INFORMATION
Regards
Katherine
OFFICIAL
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 13 September 2019 1:32 PM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>; Blair McRae <[email address]>
THE
Subject: Touching base
Kia Ora Blair and Katherine
UNDER
I just wanted to touch base over the document I emailed last week.
Just let me know if you have any questions or wish to meet again about any aspects of it. I’m looking to move
ahead on some of the ideas soon, so if you have any feedback on the various proposal please do let me know.
RELEASED
Cheers
Bryce
2
---------------
Dr Bryce Edwards
Senior Associate
Institute for Governance and Policy Studies
Victoria University of Wellington
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
3
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Katherine Edmond
Sent:
Wednesday, 9 October 2019 11:54 AM
To:
Bryce Edwards; Blair McRae
Subject:
RE: Further update on NZ politics engagement project
Hi Bryce,
Thanks so much for the last two emails. This one is timely as Blair and I met today to discuss the work you are doing
ACT
and how we can assist, along with the Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement, Madeleine Setchell.
I will come back to you with our thoughts very soon.
Best Regards
Katherine
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 9 October 2019 11:37 AM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>; Blair McRae <[email address]>
Subject: Further update on NZ politics engagement project
INFORMATION
Hi again Katherine and Blair
I’m just keeping you updated on my NZ politics engagement project plans, now that I’m finishing teaching
(last lecture this afternoon!).
We are about to turn to dealing with fundraising, and our email subscription service.
OFFICIAL
As you know, the “NZ Politics Daily” email service is one of our main products – an aggregation and
curation of all the links of importance about politics in one morning email. You can see, for example,
today’s version of the email online here: https://mailchi.mp/criticalpolitics/nz-politics-daily-9-october-
THE
2019
9(2)(b)(ii)
UNDER
RELEASED
1
We are also beginning to think about philanthropists and corporates to approach about the project in general.
The plan is to use the final few months of 2019 to see if we can make this project work for 2020, otherwise
we need to do something completely different.
Cheers
Bryce
---------------
Dr Bryce Edwards
Senior Associate
Institute for Governance and Policy Studies
ACT
Victoria University of Wellington
On 3 Oct 2019, 2:01 PM +1300, Blair McRae <[email address]>, wrote:
Thanks Bryce – let’s have a chat Katherine.
I am around.
INFORMATION
Cheers
Blair
OFFICIAL
THE
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Date: Thursday, 3 October 2019 at 1:43 PM
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: Update on NZ politics engagement project
UNDER
Hi again Katherine and Blair
I’m just updating you on things with my public political engagement project.
RELEASED
I don’t know if I told you, but I’m currently teaching two Politics courses at VUW (on contract, as I did last year
as well). I finish teaching these courses next week, and so I’m hoping to quickly turn to making some decisions
about where to go with the project. With teaching out of the way, I’ll also have more time to get back into
producing more output.
2
9(2)(b)(ii)
ACT
Also, I meant to say, you or anyone else are welcome to join either of my two email distribution lists (for my
daily email of NZ Politics Daily links; or for my Political Roundup columns). If so, sign up
here: https://us16.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c73e3fe9e4a0d897f8fa2746e&id=827d6f9e7e
I’m hoping to make some decisions about these email lists over the next couple of weeks, and probably
undertake a campaign to try and sign up another thousand or so subscribers. But it all depends on what else I
decide in terms of the broader project.
INFORMATION
So, please do get back to me about any advice you have, or any interest you have in terms of my proposals
for VUW – I need to make some decisions quite soon.
OFFICIAL
Cheers
THE
Bryce
On 16 Sep 2019, 9:29 AM +1200, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>, wrote:
Hi Bryce,
UNDER
Apologies for the delay in coming back to you.
I thought the document was really good and there are aspects of its that I definitely think we should
discuss further from a Communications, Marketing and Engagement Group perspective.
I have asked the Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement to consider your proposals
and am waiting to hear back.
RELEASED
I will also follow up with Blair.
We will be back in touch.
3
Regards
Katherine
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 13 September 2019 1:32 PM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>; Blair McRae <[email address]>
ACT
Subject: Touching base
Kia Ora Blair and Katherine
I just wanted to touch base over the document I emailed last week.
INFORMATION
Just let me know if you have any questions or wish to meet again about any aspects of it. I’m looking to move
ahead on some of the ideas soon, so if you have any feedback on the various proposal please do let me
know.
Cheers
OFFICIAL
Bryce
THE
---------------
Dr Bryce Edwards
Senior Associate
UNDER
Institute for Governance and Policy Studies
Victoria University of Wellington
RELEASED
4
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Katherine Edmond
Sent:
Thursday, 21 November 2019 4:49 PM
To:
Madeleine Setchell
Subject:
RE: Office in Rutherford House
Hi Madeleine,9(2)(a) and I met with Bryce Edwards today.
I did not hear back from Blair about the agreement.
ACT
Bryce has taken the agreement away to read and consider.
Regarding office space, he says if it were available now, he would probably use it, but he is not in Wellington much
in December or January, so he would be ok to wait until February.
I think the best approach would be for him to go to Rutherford House sometime soon and see the options that
Adrienne is proposing.
Thanks
Katherine
From: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 5 November 2019 10:29 AM
INFORMATION
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Office in Rutherford House
Ok. Do you want to give him a heads up that we are working on the office space, might be good to let him know
anyway, and asked about his preferred timing? He could start the contract earlier, even if the desk wasn’t ready
until next year?
OFFICIAL
From: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 5 November 2019 9:42 AM
To: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Office in Rutherford House
THE
I don’t have an idea of timing.
Perhaps it would be best to say from January 2020 to December 2020, given the time of year, but I would need to
check with Bryce.
UNDER
From: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 5 November 2019 9:38 AM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: FW: Office in Rutherford House
Below re office. Could you give me some idea of timing? Has this been discussed with Bryce?
Thanks, M
RELEASED
From: Madeleine Setchell
Sent: Tuesday, 5 November 2019 8:59 AM
To: Adrienne McGovern‐Wilson <Adrienne.McGovern‐[email address]>
Subject: RE: Office in Rutherford House
Ah I wondered that! Hope all is ok at Maru!
1
Let me find out some further information and come back to you.
Thanks, Madeleine
From: Adrienne McGovern‐Wilson <adrienne.mcgovern‐[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 5 November 2019 8:58 AM
To: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Office in Rutherford House
The staff will be in these temp offices until the end of February then the staff on level 12 need to move into these
spaces however they may be a vacancy then. The other option I could investigate is the office of an academic whom
ACT
is on sabbatical. When is this person starting and for how long would they want an office? Are there any other
requirements I should be aware of ie disability etc?
I am now actually up in Maru on secondment without a landline so still working on that however always have a
device on hand for emails.
Cheers
Adrienne
From: Madeleine Setchell
INFORMATION
Sent: Tuesday, 5 November 2019 8:50 AM
To: Adrienne McGovern‐Wilson <adrienne.mcgovern‐[email address]>
Cc: Charlotte Phillips <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Office in Rutherford House
Thanks for this Adrienne,
I’ve called a couple of times to discuss, but resorting to email!
OFFICIAL
What is the timing of this work? I am wondering if there might be an office in the new year?
The space is for a senior person who we are creating a media partnership so it would be good if they could have
THE
their own office.
Cheers, Madeleine
From: Adrienne McGovern‐Wilson <adrienne.mcgovern‐[email address]>
UNDER
Sent: Monday, 4 November 2019 10:59 AM
To: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Cc: Charlotte Phillips <[email address]>
Subject: FW: Office in Rutherford House
Hi madeleine
There are currently no spare offices in RH as I am in the process of moving 23 academics from their offices into a
temporary office so start gutting of their offices can commence by the end of November.
RELEASED
I would be able to provide a desk in a shared office with access to a meeting room. So let me know if that would
meet your requirements?
Kind Regards
Adrienne
2
Adrienne McGovern‐Wilson
Manager | Pouhautu
Student & Academic Services
Victoria Business School | ORAUARIKI
Victoria University of Wellington | Te Whare Wānanga o Te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui
Ph: +64‐4‐463‐5087
Room: Rutherford House RHG20
Bunny Street, Pipitea Campus
Victoria University of Wellington
ACT
PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
From: Charlotte Phillips
Sent: Monday, 4 November 2019 9:45 AM
To: Adrienne McGovern‐Wilson <adrienne.mcgovern‐[email address]>
INFORMATION
Subject: FW: Office in Rutherford House
Hi Adrienne,
Madeleine can give you any further detail you require.
Kind regards,
Charlotte
OFFICIAL
From: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 4 November 2019 9:39 AM
To: Charlotte Phillips <[email address]>
THE
Subject: RE: Office in Rutherford House
Great. Happy to have a chat with Adrienne if she needs anything further.
From: Charlotte Phillips <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 4 November 2019 9:31 AM
UNDER
To: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Office in Rutherford House
Hi Madeleine,
Just checking with Adrienne McGovern‐Wilson to see if she can identify a spare office.
Will get back to as soon as I hear back.
Kind regards,
RELEASED
Charlotte
From: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 4 November 2019 7:21 AM
To: Charlotte Phillips <[email address]>
3
Subject: Office in Rutherford House
Importance: High
Hi Charlotte,
We are looking for an office in Rutherford House for a media partner, who is also an academic.
This is reasonably urgent. Are you able to assist with this?
Ian Williamson is aware of the initiative and it is sponsored by the DVC Engagement, Blair Mcrae.
ACT
Can you let me know?
Thanks, Madeleine
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
4
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Katherine Edmond
Sent:
Thursday, 10 October 2019 12:49 PM
To:
Blair McRae
Subject:
FW: Draft email to Bryce Edwards for review/thoughts
Hi Blair, sorry to chase you but wondering if you have feedback on the email to Bryce?
Would be good to get it off today if possible.
ACT
We let Grant know our thinking at a high level yesterday and he was pleased with where we had got to.
Cheers
Katherine
From: Katherine Edmond
Sent: Wednesday, 9 October 2019 5:30 PM
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>; Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: Draft email to Bryce Edwards for review/thoughts
Hi Blair and Madeleine, following our meeting this morning, I have drafted the response below to send to Bryce.
INFORMATION
Let me know if you have any changes.
Regards
Katherine
Hi Bryce,
First, apologies from Blair and me for not responding to you sooner. We are delivering a huge programme of work
around the University’s brand refresh and as a result are slower to address other important things.
OFFICIAL
Thanks for keeping us informed of your thinking. Blair, Madeleine Setchell and I have met to discuss your political
engagement plans and have a proposal for you to consider, which is outlined below.
THE
We are keen to form a partnership with you that would be similar to those the University currently has with
Newsroom and The Conversation. With these partnerships, the University is a supporter (in the case of Newsroom)
or member (in the case of The Conversation) and our involvement is in the context of our role as a critic and
conscience of society and a University that prizes public commentary and leading debate on important questions.
Our media partners have complete editorial independence but we do have regular contact and discussions and
productive relationships with them. The key people at our end for you to keep in touch with would be me and 9(2)(a)
UNDER
9(2)(a)
and who liaises on our behalf with
Newsroom and The Conversation.
We would be able to offer you office space at the University (our thinking is the Pipitea campus would be best
because of its proximity to Parliament), access to University services (such as support from Image Services to
produce videos) and a budget of $10k. We would also be able to explore what the University might offer in terms of
hosting your web‐based election activity next year.
One thing to consider is how your role would be positioned. Our thinking is that having you as a member of the
RELEASED
University’s Engagement Group would be a good option, rather than you being tied to a particular Faculty. That way,
you would logically connect to all parts of the University.
There would of course be more details to discuss but we wanted to outline our thinking and find out if you are
supportive of the proposal. We can then meet to discuss things further.
1
9(2)(b)(ii)
Look forward to hearing back from you.
Regards,
ACT
Katherine
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 9 October 2019 11:37 AM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>; Blair McRae <[email address]>
Subject: Further update on NZ politics engagement project
Hi again Katherine and Blair
I’m just keeping you updated on my NZ politics engagement project plans, now that I’m finishing teaching
INFORMATION
(last lecture this afternoon!).
We are about to turn to dealing with fundraising, and our email subscription service.
As you know, the “NZ Politics Daily” email service is one of our main products – an aggregation and
curation of all the links of importance about politics in one morning email. You can see, for example,
today’s version of the email online here: https://mailchi.mp/criticalpolitics/nz-politics-daily-9-october-
2019
OFFICIAL
9(2)(b)(ii)
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
2
Cheers
Bryce
---------------
Dr Bryce Edwards
Senior Associate
Institute for Governance and Policy Studies
Victoria University of Wellington
On 3 Oct 2019, 2:01 PM +1300, Blair McRae <[email address]>, wrote:
Thanks Bryce – let’s have a chat Katherine.
ACT
I am around.
Cheers
INFORMATION
Blair
OFFICIAL
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Date: Thursday, 3 October 2019 at 1:43 PM
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
THE
Subject: Update on NZ politics engagement project
Hi again Katherine and Blair
UNDER
I’m just updating you on things with my public political engagement project.
I don’t know if I told you, but I’m currently teaching two Politics courses at VUW (on contract, as I did last year
as well). I finish teaching these courses next week, and so I’m hoping to quickly turn to making some decisions
about where to go with the project. With teaching out of the way, I’ll also have more time to get back into
RELEASED
producing more output.
9(2)(b)(ii)
3
9(2)(b)(ii)
ACT
Also, I meant to say, you or anyone else are welcome to join either of my two email distribution lists (for my
daily email of NZ Politics Daily links; or for my Political Roundup columns). If so, sign up
here: https://us16.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c73e3fe9e4a0d897f8fa2746e&id=827d6f9e7e
I’m hoping to make some decisions about these email lists over the next couple of weeks, and probably
undertake a campaign to try and sign up another thousand or so subscribers. But it all depends on what else I
decide in terms of the broader project.
INFORMATION
So, please do get back to me about any advice you have, or any interest you have in terms of my proposals
for VUW – I need to make some decisions quite soon.
Cheers
OFFICIAL
Bryce
THE
On 16 Sep 2019, 9:29 AM +1200, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>, wrote:
Hi Bryce,
Apologies for the delay in coming back to you.
UNDER
I thought the document was really good and there are aspects of its that I definitely think we should
discuss further from a Communications, Marketing and Engagement Group perspective.
I have asked the Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement to consider your proposals
and am waiting to hear back.
I will also follow up with Blair.
RELEASED
We will be back in touch.
4
Regards
Katherine
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 13 September 2019 1:32 PM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>; Blair McRae <[email address]>
Subject: Touching base
ACT
Kia Ora Blair and Katherine
I just wanted to touch base over the document I emailed last week.
Just let me know if you have any questions or wish to meet again about any aspects of it. I’m looking to move
ahead on some of the ideas soon, so if you have any feedback on the various proposal please do let me
INFORMATION
know.
Cheers
OFFICIAL
Bryce
---------------
THE
Dr Bryce Edwards
Senior Associate
Institute for Governance and Policy Studies
UNDER
Victoria University of Wellington
RELEASED
5
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Katherine Edmond
Sent:
Saturday, 2 November 2019 11:40 AM
To:
Blair McRae
Cc:
Madeleine Setchell
Subject:
RE: Progressing things with Bryce Edwards - FOR YOUR REVIEW
Hi Blair,
ACT
I had some feedback from Jennifer regarding our arrangement with Bryce Edwards. She asked a few questions about
his relationship with the University that I think will be answered by the contract, which is with me and the legal
team to draw up.
She also asked that you have a conversation with Xavier Marquez, Head of the School of History, Philosophy,
Political Science and International Relations, and with Kate McMillan, Head of the Programme for Political Science
and International Relations. I don’t think she forsaw particular opposition, but thinks it would be courteous to
discuss with Xavier and Kate first hand.
I will find out from Madeleine how we are going with finding space for Bryce.
Thanks
INFORMATION
Katherine
From: Blair McRae <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 18 October 2019 3:21 PM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Cc: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Progressing things with Bryce Edwards ‐ FOR YOUR REVIEW
OFFICIAL
Indeed – no response from Jennifer as yet and I will be seeing Ian at SLT Tuesday next week. I will email him the
relevant info prior to Tuesdays meeting.
THE
Cheers
Blair
From: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Date: Friday, 18 October 2019 at 3:04 PM
UNDER
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>
Cc: Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: Progressing things with Bryce Edwards ‐ FOR YOUR REVIEW
Hi Blair,
Just touching base re our discussions with Bryce Edwards.
It’s good to have reached the agreement in principle that we have but I think there are two things that need to
RELEASED
happen before we go further.
One is for you to have a discussion with Jennifer and Ian. You indicated the other day that you had mentioned our
proposal to Jennifer already but I know she has some questions about how it will work and the exact nature of our
relationship with Bryce and his relationship with the University.
I am not sure how fully Ian has been briefed or whether he has been advised of our suggestion that Bryce will be
based at Rutherford House. As well as finding out exactly where that office might be, I think we also need to discuss
1
with Ian our suggestion that Bryce be associated with the Engagement Group, rather than with a particular Faculty
or research centre.
Having those discussions is the next step I think and then I can talk to 9(2)(h)
about drawing up an
agreement.
Look forward to your thoughts.
Thanks
Katherine
ACT
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
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2
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Bryce Edwards
Sent:
Thursday, 28 November 2019 4:52 PM
To:
Katherine Edmond
Subject:
RE: Contract for media services
Hi again Katherine
ACT
Thanks for your suggestion of signing the contract on Tuesday. I’ve accepted your Tuesday 11am calendar
appointment, and I look forward to seeing you then. In terms of the date, I don’t mind what date is used, but I’d
prefer the 1 December one.
Also, as discussed last week, I’m keen to meet with someone from website services and ITS. I’m happy for you to
make any appointments with them both ‐ my calendar is very free over the next few weeks ‐ or be introduced via
email to make my own arrangements.
Cheers
Bryce
On 27 Nov 2019, 3:48 PM +1300, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>, wrote:
INFORMATION
Hi Bryce, sorry slow, bit of a crazy day here with our brand refresh.
Good news re the contract.
OFFICIAL
We probably don’t have time to get it signed before you head to Auckland so let’s sign early next week and we can
THE
either keep it as 1 December or change it to the date that we actually sign.
I do need to get Blair to sight the contract too before we sign so can do that while you are up in Auckland.
Shall we aim for Tuesday next week?
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Thanks
Katherine
RELEASED
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 27 November 2019 12:31 PM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: Contract for media services
1
Hi Katherine
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you about the contract. Please don’t think the delay reflects any hesitation or
lack of enthusiasm on my part ‐ just busyness over the last week.
I’m entirely happy with the contract as proposed, and I’m ready to sign it at anytime.
ACT
As I said to you last week, the term “Political analyst in residence at Victoria University of Wellington” is a bit of a
mouthful and I still have some doubts to what extent the media/public will use it. But I don’t have any problems
identifying myself this way. I feel that in reality it will be shortened by the omission of the “in residence” words ‐ so
I’m just signalling that caveat.
I don’t have any strong feelings about the date of the contract, but I tend to think we go with what is proposed on
the contract (1 December 2019 to 1 December 2020), and I’m keen to get everything kicked off as soon as
possible.
INFORMATION
My only problem is that I’m heading up to Auckland tomorrow afternoon (and I’m on TV3’s The Nation programme
on Saturday morning). So in order to get the contract signed before 1 December, we’d have to do it in the next 24
hours. I’m certainly available to come up to the Hunter Building in the next couple of hours, or else in the morning.
OFFICIAL
Cheers
THE
Bryce
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
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Dr Bryce Edwards
Senior Associate
Institute for Governance and Policy Studies
Victoria University of Wellington
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2
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Bryce Edwards
Sent:
Thursday, 28 November 2019 5:22 PM
To:
Katherine Edmond
Subject:
RE: Contract for media services
Thanks Katherine ‐ that all sounds great.
ACT
Sorry, I should have been clearer. I meant the ITS in terms of any possible audio‐visual resources or technology for
setting up a regular video podcast for supplying to media.
Cheers
Bryce
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Dr Bryce Edwards
Senior Associate
Institute for Governance and Policy Studies
Victoria University of Wellington
On 28 Nov 2019, 5:18 PM +1300, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>, wrote:
INFORMATION
All good Bryce, yes I left the 1 December date on there and Blair is all good with the contract.
I will set up something with Jane Young, who is our Associate Director of Digital Engagement and who can talk
OFFICIAL
through web options with you.
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Re ITS, what in particular were you thinking and I can work out who is the right person?
Thanks
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Katherine
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 28 November 2019 4:52 PM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Contract for media services
RELEASED
Hi again Katherine
1
Thanks for your suggestion of signing the contract on Tuesday. I’ve accepted your Tuesday 11am calendar
appointment, and I look forward to seeing you then. In terms of the date, I don’t mind what date is used, but I’d
prefer the 1 December one.
Also, as discussed last week, I’m keen to meet with someone from website services and ITS. I’m happy for you to
make any appointments with them both ‐ my calendar is very free over the next few weeks ‐ or be introduced via
email to make my own arrangements.
ACT
Cheers
Bryce
On 27 Nov 2019, 3:48 PM +1300, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>, wrote:
Hi Bryce, sorry slow, bit of a crazy day here with our brand refresh.
INFORMATION
Good news re the contract.
We probably don’t have time to get it signed before you head to Auckland so let’s sign early next week and we
can either keep it as 1 December or change it to the date that we actually sign.
OFFICIAL
I do need to get Blair to sight the contract too before we sign so can do that while you are up in Auckland.
Shall we aim for Tuesday next week?
THE
Thanks
Katherine
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From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 27 November 2019 12:31 PM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: Contract for media services
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Hi Katherine
2
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you about the contract. Please don’t think the delay reflects any hesitation
or lack of enthusiasm on my part ‐ just busyness over the last week.
I’m entirely happy with the contract as proposed, and I’m ready to sign it at anytime.
As I said to you last week, the term “Political analyst in residence at Victoria University of Wellington” is a bit of a
mouthful and I still have some doubts to what extent the media/public will use it. But I don’t have any problems
ACT
identifying myself this way. I feel that in reality it will be shortened by the omission of the “in residence” words ‐
so I’m just signalling that caveat.
I don’t have any strong feelings about the date of the contract, but I tend to think we go with what is proposed
on the contract (1 December 2019 to 1 December 2020), and I’m keen to get everything kicked off as soon as
possible.
My only problem is that I’m heading up to Auckland tomorrow afternoon (and I’m on TV3’s The Nation
INFORMATION
programme on Saturday morning). So in order to get the contract signed before 1 December, we’d have to do it
in the next 24 hours. I’m certainly available to come up to the Hunter Building in the next couple of hours, or else
in the morning.
Cheers
OFFICIAL
Bryce
THE
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Dr Bryce Edwards
Senior Associate
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Institute for Governance and Policy Studies
Victoria University of Wellington
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3
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INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
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Tessa Goldsack
From:
Katherine Edmond
Sent:
Monday, 11 November 2019 7:37 AM
To:
Madeleine Setchell; Blair McRae
Subject:
Agreement with Bryce Edwards for review
Attachments:
Media Partnership Agreement - Bryce Edwards 8 November 2019.docx
Hi Madeleine and Blair,
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Attached is a draft agreement with Bryce Edwards for your review.
I have not yet discussed his starting date or office requirements with him yet.
Thanks
Katherine
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
THE
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1
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Bryce Edwards
Sent:
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 3:16 PM
To:
Katherine Edmond
Subject:
RE: Checking in
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Completed
ACT
Hi Katherine
Thanks so much for all that feedback ‐ it’s very helpful.
Yes, I will make those revisions to the document. But please do feel free to circulate it to anyone appropriate, with
the proviso that it’s a work‐in‐progress and further changes will be made.
Yes, the nature of the video distribution is entirely up in the air. 9(2)(b)(ii)
INFORMATION
Yes, if the book/s eventuate ‐ which will simply depend on resources becoming available ‐ then VUP would be a
great publisher, of course.
I agree about the funding situation. And this is something that I’m keen for guidance on. We don’t have any firm
OFFICIAL
ideas about this. We envisage that some funding will be in the form of sponsorship and others might just make
donations. And the sponsorship might, for example, end up being for one of the products like the “NZ Politics Daily”
emails.
THE
9(2)(b)(ii)
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Cheers
Bryce
On 28 Jan 2020, 2:46 PM +1300, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>, wrote:
Hi Bryce,
Good to hear from you and pleased you are getting a holiday. You chose a good week weather wise to be taking a
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break.
Thanks for the update on everything.
1
I very much like the title ‘The Democracy Project’ and it fits very well, in terms of your partnership with us.
And the paper is good – the few comments 9(2)(a) and I have are as follows:
1. At the top of Page 2 where you talk about Victoria University of Wellington hosting the project via a ‘media
partnership’, I think it would be good to spell out that The Democracy Project has complete editorial
independence. Just to be very clear.
2. With the proposed future projects, such as the videos, we will be able to promote these but also wondering
if you will have additional ways of promoting them, perhaps through your mailing lists? Just to get them ACT
out further.
3. A far off thing, but you might of course consider Victoria University Press should there be books published
on related issues
4. This is probably the major one – the University would want a heads up at least of who the other
sponsors/foundations supporters are that you are signing up with. Given we host the website, we would
want to be comfortable that any of your sponsors were ones that aligned with our values etc.
What do you envisage here and how might this work?
I’d be keen to share the document with both Madeleine Setchell and Blair – let me know if you want to make any
INFORMATION
revisions to it before I do that.
9(2)(b)(ii)
.
OFFICIAL
I will let Jane know that hopefully copy will be coming from you in the near future and that you are contemplating
a name change to The Democracy Project. THE
Cheers
Katherine
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From: Bryce Edwards
Sent: Monday, 27 January 2020 10:08 AM
To: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Checking in
RELEASED
Hi Katherine
Thanks for the email.
2
Here’s an update on things.
I’m currently in the South Island, on a semi‐holiday. I was out of internet contact last week while camping in the
Abel Tasman National Park, and not working. This week I’m in the Marlborough Sounds, but getting some work
done.
ACT
I still haven’t received a contract from the School of Government for the lecturing work, but I assume it will be any
day now ‐ it was promised last week, I think. I’ve had various conversations with Girol and others there about it.
There’s some uncertainty about the work‐load weighting for the job ‐ but I’ll have to wait to see what the contract
says. I’ll let you know what happens. (9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(ii)
In the last few weeks I’ve been going out to some relevant people for feedback on the whole Critical Politics
project, and have received some useful ideas. And in making the pitch about it all to some potential funders I’ve
also changed some ideas about how to communicate it. Probably the major change that I want to make is the
INFORMATION
name. As I’ve explained previously, my colleague 9(2)(a) and I have been using the name "Critical Politics” for
what we’ve been doing. We like this name for various reasons, but we’re no longer sure it conveys the project for
2020 as well as it could. And so we want to start referring to what we’re doing this year as “The Democracy
Project”.
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What do you think? For us, this matches perfectly our pitches about the project. I’ll email you our current
“Introduction” statement for the project that uses this terminology.
THE
So, I’m intending on asking 9(2)(a) and the website team to create our website with this name instead of Critical
Politics. And today I’m going to email her a document of instructions of what we’d like to appear on the site, and
my ideas for its configuration. We will then be providing regular content for the site once it’s up and running.
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Also, I put together a document (which I can email you) in which I go through the other institutions around the
country (in various universities) which have some similarities with "The Democracy Project”. This mainly looks at
their websites and how the institutions function and communicate themselves.
9(2)(b)(ii)
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3
Cheers
Bryce
On 23 Jan 2020, 1:08 PM +1300, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>, wrote:
Hi Bryce,
Just checking in to find out what happened re the lecturing job in the School of Government and also whether we
ACT
can expect copy for the website anytime soon?
Thanks
Katherine
Katherine Edmond
INFORMATION
Associate Director, Communications
Communications, Marketing and Engagement Group
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
OFFICIAL
Phone +64 4 463 6017
9(2)(a)
THE
www.wgtn.ac.nz | 0800 04 04 04
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4
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Blair McRae
Sent:
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 3:36 PM
To:
Katherine Edmond; Madeleine Setchell
Subject:
Re: Bryce Edwards update
All good with me Katherine – thanks.
ACT
Cheers
Blair
From: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Date: Tuesday, 28 January 2020 at 3:25 PM
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>, Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: Bryce Edwards update
INFORMATION
Hi Blair and Madeleine,
Just updating you on things with Bryce Edwards, as the year gets underway.
As I have mentioned to you both, he may sign a contract to do some teaching the School of Government this year,
although that is yet to be finally confirmed.
If he did do this, an office would be provided as part of his role.
We have also introduced him to appropriate people in terms of getting a website established that is linked to the
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University website, and to discuss furthering his profile and contribution through video and podcasts.
Meanwhile, he has sent through the attached proposal, which would see him change the name of his venture from
THE
Critical Politics to The Democracy Project, which I think is a good move.
I let him know I would share his thinking with you although he asked me to point out that it is a work in progress.
I’ve given him a bit of feedback, including that we would need to discuss further how it would work if he did bring
other sponsors/supporters on board and they were to have a presence on his web pages on our site.
We would obviously need to be comfortable that any new partners were ones who aligned with our values.
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If you have any feedback on the attached or the above, please let me know.
Regards
Katherine
Katherine Edmond Associate Director, Communications
Communications, Marketing and Engagement Group
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Phone +64 4 463 6017
9(2)(a)
www.wgtn.ac.nz | 0800 04 04 04
1
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Madeleine Setchell
Sent:
Monday, 24 February 2020 12:09 PM
To:
Patricia Danver
Cc:
Katherine Edmond
Subject:
Democracy Project - Confidential
Attachments:
The Democracy Project - Introduction.docx; Signed contract Dec 2019 to Dec 2020.pdf
ACT
Hi Patty,
As discussed this morning the Democracy Project (brief attached) and Bryce’s engagement with the University are
part of the Engagement Group’s activities.
The media partnership was discussed and approved by Blair late last year and I have attached this as well.
I’ll send an update to Blair after 5pm tonight and cc you. Do let me know if you have any pressing concerns after you
meeting with Bryce or any questions.
Thanks, Madeleine
Madeleine Setchell
INFORMATION
Director, Communications, Marketing and Engagement
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Phone: +64 4 463 5873
9(2)(a)
PO Box 600, Wellington 6140
www.wgtn.ac.nz | 0800 04 04 04
OFFICIAL
THE
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RELEASED
1
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Katherine Edmond
Sent:
Saturday, 7 March 2020 9:34 PM
To:
Bryce Edwards
Cc:
Janette Craigie
Subject:
Re: Democracy Project update: SoG; Fundraising; Website
Hi Bryce,
ACT
Thanks for the update. I have been wondering.
I am out of the office until Tuesday so will answer properly then but a few, very quick thoughts:
1. I will talk to Madeleine re a desk or, preferably, office. She was investigating this previously and seemed to think it
possible.
9(2)(b)(ii)
INFORMATION
I will be in touch when back but hope that is useful.
Thanks
Katherine
OFFICIAL
On 6/03/2020, at 9:47 AM, Bryce Edwards <[email address]> wrote:
Hi Katherine
THE
I’m just updating you on all of the latest with the Democracy Project.
1) School of Government FCOM111 teaching and office space I signed my contract for the FCOM111 teaching this week. All is going well with this. However, it
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turns out that despite my presumptions I’m not being given an office as part of this role. I had just
presumed that I would be moving into 9(2)(a)
office when she goes on maternity leave,
but I asked about this yesterday, and this isn’t the case and I have no idea why her office isn’t
available. Instead, there is a desk available to me at Kelburn (MY210) in a shared office with a FCOM
administrator. Currently, 9(2)(a) uses this desk on the days that she teaches.
So, I’m not sure where that leaves me. It is clear to me that this desk isn’t sufficient for my
Democracy Project work.
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I would therefore still like a proper office to be found for me. And although my preference is still for
a Rutherford House office, I’d certainly be open to one in Kelburn.
9(2)(b(ii)
1
9(2)(b(ii)
ACT
INFORMATION
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THE
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2
9(2)(b)(ii)
ACT
INFORMATION
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Anyhow, please let me know what you think I should do. Unfortunately, we probably need to make
a decision on these things quite soon, as we can’t launch the website without resolving this
THE
Kind regards
Bryce
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Dr Bryce Edwards
Political Analyst in Residence
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Victoria University of Wellington
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3
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Jane Young
Sent:
Thursday, 13 February 2020 8:42 AM
To:
9(2)(a)
Cc:
critical Politics; Katherine Edmond
Subject:
RE: Democracy Project website
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Completed
ACT
Hi 9(2)(a)
Great let’s get going then. However, I am going to be in an all day workshop today.
Payment
In terms of payment we will pay for the initial template to be created and we will pay for ongoing hosting. In the
future there may be costs for the Democracy Project if:
unique additional features e.g. poll, payment gateway
regular maintenance to ensure it is compatible with the main browsers in use
training additional people – although this may be something you are able to do yourselves.
INFORMATION
URL
I suggest that you register your own URL so that the project owns this. There are lots of registrars and they are all
great to use. If you already have other domains you own I suggest that you keep them all with the same registrar. If
you don’t then I can recommend 1stDomains as one that is easy to use. Please register your address as soon as
possible as they have a way of disappearing. If you have international ambitions in addition to .co.nz you may want
to register .com if it is available. I would recommend going with democracy‐project.co.nz as your main address.
OFFICIAL
Developer
The next steps will be to match you up with a developer and have a meeting – our recommendation is 9(2)(a)
9(2)(a)
. Assuming you are happy to go with him I could organise an initial meeting. Could you
THE
let me know some times that work for you and I will find out the same for him.
Content
I would recommend treating content as an ‘as soon as possible’ exercise as this content will be used by the
Developer to do the initial build and design. As mentioned we can also assist in shaping the ‘about’ type content.
Once the website is built we will use any subsequent content to train you on how to load.
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It would also be good to think about initially tagging or categories for your content e.g. housing, infrastructure,
poverty, videos etc.
This is a bit of a rushed email so please excuse any typos. If you can let me know today about whether I should line
up 9(2)(a) to do the development I will reach out to him to him and confirm his availability and timing.
Jane
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‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: 9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 12 February 2020 12:19 PM
To: Jane Young <[email address]>
1
Cc: critical Politics 9(2)(a)
Subject: Democracy Project website
Hi Jane
Thanks for meeting with us yesterday ‐ it was really helpful and we’re keen to get this underway ASAP.
We’ve had a talk and agree that WordPress would probably work best for everyone.
Really the only issue is cost. You mentioned that the University might be able to come to the party on this, and that
it could be useful as experiment or template for you. What do you think?
ACT
Please let me know anything else we might need to know – such as timelines for article deadlines etc. I’m gathering
content now, so that’s underway, but to some extent how that is done will depend on the format articles need to be
in.
Thanks again, and it’s good to have it all in motion :)
9(2)(a)
INFORMATION
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2
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Blair McRae
Sent:
Tuesday, 3 December 2019 1:00 PM
To:
Katherine Edmond; Madeleine Setchell
Subject:
Re: Signed contract with Bryce Edwards - apology
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Completed
ACT
No probs Katherine – pop it onto my desk and I am confident I will find it.
Cheers
Blair
From: Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Date: Tuesday, 3 December 2019 at 12:49 PM
INFORMATION
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>, Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: Signed contract with Bryce Edwards ‐ apology
Apologies Blair, getting my ‘B’ names mixed up.
Would you like me to drop the original to you/your EA?
Cheers
Katherine
OFFICIAL
From: Katherine Edmond
Sent: Tuesday, 3 December 2019 12:48 PM THE
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>; Madeleine Setchell <[email address]>
Subject: Signed contract with Bryce Edwards
Hi,
Bryce came in to sign the contract this morning. I am attaching a copy.
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Bryce, do you want me to drop the original to you?
Thanks
Katherine
Katherine Edmond Associate Director, Communications
Communications, Marketing and Engagement Group
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Phone +64 4 463 6017
9(2)(a)
www.wgtn.ac.nz | 0800 04 04 04
1
Tessa Goldsack
From:
Bryce Edwards
Sent:
Monday, 17 February 2020 10:41 AM
To:
Blair McRae; Katherine Edmond; Patricia McGarr
Cc:
Patricia Danver
Subject:
RE: The Democracy Project - fundraising question
Attachments:
The Democracy Project - Introduction.docx
ACT
Hi Patricia
Thanks so much for your email. This is all fantastic news.
9(2)(b)(ii)
INFORMATION
Anyhow, in case you require any further information on the Democracy Project, I’ve attached an introductory
document.
Kind regards
OFFICIAL
Bryce
On 17 Feb 2020, 10:03 AM +1300, Patricia McGarr <[email address]>, wrote:
THE
Dear Bryce
Firstly congratulations on the Democracy Project 9(2)(b(ii)
9(2)(b)(ii)
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Ngā mihi
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Patricia
PATRICIA MCGARR | ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PHILANTHROPIC GIVING | INNOVATE FUND |
VICTORIA FOUNDATION + DEVELOPMENT OFFICE| Te Kura Tangata |04 463 6953 | 9(2)(a)
1
TE HERENGA WAKA—VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON |
302 HUNTER BUILDING, KELBURN | 0800 VICTORIA | WWW.WHATIF.AC.NZ
<image001.jpg>
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the addressee(s) and may contain information which is confidential or
privileged.
If you receive this email and you are not the addressee (or respons ble for delivery of the email to the addressee) please disregard the contents
of the email, delete the email and notify the author immediately.
Please consider our environment before printing this email
ACT
From: Blair McRae <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 17 February 2020 9:40 AM
To: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>; Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Cc: Patricia Danver <[email address]>; Patricia McGarr <[email address]>
Subject: Re: The Democracy Project ‐ fundraising question
INFORMATION
Hi Bryce
OFFICIAL
We could run this through the University Foundation. They manage gifts and ensure that the funds are channelled
into the right areas. I have copied in the University Development team who provide support to the Foundation into
this email and one of them will respond. THE
Cheers
UNDER
Blair
RELEASED
From: Bryce Edwards <[email address]>
Date: Monday, 17 February 2020 at 8:49 AM
To: Blair McRae <[email address]>, Katherine Edmond <[email address]>
Subject: The Democracy Project ‐ fundraising question
2
Kia ora Blair and Katherine
As you know I’m currently at the start of my fundraising efforts for the Democracy Project. 9(2)(b)(ii)
9(2)(b)(ii)
ACT
INFORMATION
Kind regards
Bryce
OFFICIAL
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Dr Bryce Edwards
Political Analyst in Residence
Victoria University of Wellington
THE
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3
The Democracy Project
“Promoting critical thinking, debate, and engagement for the 2020
election year”
Introducing The Democracy Project
In association with Victoria University of Wellington, The Democracy Project aims to
ACT
enhance New Zealand democracy for the 2020 general election. Its role is to
promote critical thinking, analysis, debate, and engagement on New Zealand politics
and society. We are resolutely non-partisan and “for the public good”.
The project is based at Victoria University of Wellington, but is independently run by
Dr Bryce Edwards, with help from a number of other independent researchers.
Our University-based website is currently being built as a one-stop-shop for election
year, and will publish a wealth of useful information, expert commentary and
analysis. You can find it here: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/democracy-project
INFORMATION
Why the Democracy Project is needed
Democracy and progress depend on the availability of good information and analysis
about politics and society. It needs a vibrant public sphere, in which debate and
ideas are freely available.
In many ways, New Zealand’s public sphere is relatively weak and fragmented.
OFFICIAL
There are many reasons for this, but part of the problem are challenges facing the
media, such as adequately resourcing the proper provision of in-depth and diverse
information and analysis on politics.
THE
Compounding the issues that weaken the scrutiny of politics, are New Zealand’s
weak regulation and oversight of vested interests in politics. No lobbyist regulation,
revolving doors for public servants working in the private sector, regularised non-
compliance with OIA requests and weak investigation and enforcement of political
financing laws tilt the political field dramatically in favour of those with money and
power.
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There are, of course, scattered elements of a strong public sphere, with powerful and
important information and analysis available in various places. This project helps to
aggregate, foster, and amplify those components via a number of different projects.
Overall, the Democracy Project is an experiment in new ways of doing politics,
involving academic, civil society, and media collaboration.
Who is invo
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lved in The Democracy Project?
The Democracy Project is directed by Bryce Edwards and draws on the work of
other researchers. We are keen to involve other public intellectuals in the project –
journalists, academics, activists, who can contribute information and analysis. We
want to promote The Democracy Project as a platform of diverse views and thought.
Victoria University of Wellington are hosting the project via a “media partnership”
agreement, in which they provide affiliation and resources (such as technology and
office space).
We are seeking other foundation supporters, who can make a financial contribution
ACT
on the basis of supporting democracy in New Zealand. This will include individuals,
businesses, and NGOs.
Current output
1) Political Roundup
• An in-depth column providing analysis on one topic of the day, especially
through the aggregation of different perspectives
• Emailed out to 1800+ subscribers
• Published online by the NZ Herald
• Produced about three days a week
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2) NZ Politics Daily
• A comprehensive, compendium of links to news and analysis on politics
• Emailed to 1800+ subscribers at 8am, Monday-to-Friday
• Our subscriber base is typically: politicians; parliamentary staff; journalists;
public servants; academics; students; embassies/diplomats; NGOs, unions,
law firms, companies and individuals
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3) Political commentary in the media
• We supply regular interviews with journalists and broadcasters about issues
of the day in New Zealand politics
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• Bryce provides a regular fortnightly column for the Guardian
• Bryce provides occasional opinion pieces for various media, especially the
RNZ website
4) Outreach, education and advocacy
• We provide oral and written briefings on NZ politics (typically, this involves
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conferences, meetings, organisations, NGOs and businesses)
Proposed future projects
1) Political Roundup short video
• A regular 2-5 minute video recorded discussion of a topic of the day
• Published on the website
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2) Political Roundup weekly video
• A long-form issues-based video podcast
• More in-depth analysis drawing on expertise from experts (parliamentarians,
political journalists, academics, activists, etc)
• Published on the website
3) Democracy research and advocacy
• The Democracy Project website will be a repository of research and analysis
about the quality and health of democracy in New Zealand. Issues of
participation and representation require further scholarly research and public
debate.
• Various individual issues will be examined that relate to health of New
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Zealand democracy – such as civics education, OIA reform; transparency in
government; vested interests in New Zealand politics; political finance
regulation.
• Issues of political power and influence are at the heart of understanding New
Zealand politics and government, and this project would seek to bring
together a scholarly examination of ways of understanding how power works
in this country
• Individual reports will be produced on elements of democratic reform
• Ultimately, books might be published on related issues – such as “Democracy
in New Zealand (exploring the health of the political process and institutions)
and “Who runs New Zealand?” (exploring the configurations of influence in all
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the major institutions of the country, from agriculture through to education).
Funding and resources – For the Public Good
The Democracy Project is focused on providing services “for the public good”, to
enhance the political process and public engagement in the 2020 election year, but
we do not yet have the resourcing to make it all possible.
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The project is primarily funded by philanthropy. We receive some resources and
funding from Victoria University of Wellington, and remuneration from media
companies – but these are only minimum levels, leaving us to fundraise to pay our
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costs.
We are currently looking for sponsors to make the Democracy Project work. There
are a number of pathways for others to be involved in making the Project work. Most
importantly, we are looking for “foundation partners” who will provide financial
resources for the project as a whole. We are also looking for sponsors who can help
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finance individual elements of the project, such as the “NZ Politics Daily” email
service or the new video podcasts.
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