20 December 2021
Mary Smith
[FYI request #17700 email]
Dear Mary
Official Information Request
Our Ref: 2021-0166
I refer to your official information request received on 24 November 2021 for:
1. To the best of your knowledge, how many current or previous Chief Executives (or
equivalent, i.e. "Tier 1 leaders") of Public Service departments or departmental agencies
identify (or identified) their ethnicity as being from amongst any of the fol owing ethnic
groups: African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, or Pacific Peoples?
I'd like to know the 'al  time' number (again to the best of your knowledge), so from the
current day stretching back indefinitely - although I recognise that data will only exist up to
a certain point in history.
2. What are the names of the people identified in question 1 above?
Background
The Public Service started a comprehensive diversity and inclusion programme four years ago, called
Papa Pounamu, and the latest workforce data show good progress is being made. The programme
has focused on eliminating bias and discrimination, promoting inclusion, and working to ensure the
Public Service reflects and values the diversity of the communities it serves. We also have a
programme of work focused specifical y on growing the diversity of leaders across the public service.
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission (the Commission) releases workforce data each year.
This data includes that information related to ethnicity and can be found here: Ethnicity in the Public
Service
Information being released
Please find listed in a table below the Chief Executive (CE) ethnicity information grouped into the
categories that you have requested above since 2018.   Those in Public Service Leader cohort are listed
here Departmental Secretaries and Departmental Agency Chief Executives.
Year  (as of 30 June)
2018
2019
2020
2021
Number of incumbent CEs where
29
27
33
39
ethnicity information is available
Number of incumbent CEs
0
0
0
0
reporting Middle Eastern, Latin
American or African ethnicity

Number of incumbent CEs
0
0
1
2
reporting Asian ethnicity
Number of incumbent CEs
1
1
1
1
reporting Pacific ethnicity

Information being withheld
We have decided to refuse the part of your request where you have requested the names of the people
identified above under section 9(2)(a) of the Official Information Act 1982 to protect the privacy of
natural persons, including deceased people.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact
[email address].
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Please note that we intend to publish this letter (with your personal details removed)on the
Commission’s website.

Yours sincerely

Nicky Dirks
Manager – Ministerial and Executive Services
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission

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