From: 9(2)(a)
On Behalf Of D Parker (MIN)
Sent: Thursday, 2 March 2023 12:42 PM
To: 9(2)(a)
Cc: 'james.palmer9(2)(a)
'[email address]' <[email address]>;
'[email address]' <[email address]>
Subject: Letter from Hon David Parker
Kia ora Rob,
Please see attached a letter from Hon David Parker.
Nga mihi
ACT
Office of Hon David Parker MP | Attorney-General | Minister for the Environment | Minister of Revenue |
Associate Minister of Finance
Authorised by Hon David Parker MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
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2 March 2023
Mr Rob Campbell
Chair
Environmental Protection Authority
9(2)(a)
Dear Rob
ACT
Thank you for your response to my letter of 1 March 2023, which I have considered.
We are clearly in disagreement about the meaning of the Code of Conduct for Crown Entity
Board Members, its impact on you as a Crown Entity Boa d member and wha the public
service principle of political neutrality in the Public Service Act equires of you
While I accept that you retain some freedom to express personal opinions in areas of
endeavour outside your core governance responsibilities, you public service governance
roles come with legal obligations of neutrality and the code of conduct, which limit that. Clearly,
you should not have attacked the Leader of the Opposition as you did.
I have also considered whether it is disproportionate to remove you from the Board of the EPA
in light of the Minister of Health’s dismissal decision earlier this week.
Your response (which in your public comments suggested there may be an ulterior motive for
your dismissal) does not allow me to conclude that you understand the significance and
importance of political neutral ty in terms of the Act and the Code’s requirements that you act
politically impartially and retain your ability to work effectively under current and future
governments.
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It is apparent that we hold divergent views on the nature and extent of the Code of Conduct
obligations you have as a Crown Entity board member and Chair.
That disagreement is a fu damental one. Having considered the matter, along with your
response I have accepted the Public Service Commissioner’s advice that your LinkedIn post
and subsequent public comments constitute a breach of the fundamental obligations on you.
I no longer have conf dence that you are able to effectively continue as member or Chair of
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the EPA.
You are a person of strong opinions and brave in your expression of them. It is clear that being
able to express them unedited is important to you.
I note your request for a meeting so you can apologise in person and establish any protocols
or procedures (around future public commentary by you) to avoid any future misunderstanding
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between us, and to ensure the public’s trust in the EPA is maintained.
I accept your apology and there is no reason for you to deliver that in person. I do not see any
need to meet to establish protocols or procedures, because I am satisfied that existing policies
adequately cover the issue and are widely understood and applied by other Crown entity
members.
I now dismiss you as member of the EPA Board under s 36 Crown Entities Act, with effect
from today. In accordance with Schedule 5 this has the effect of ending your term as Chair.
Despite this decision, I wish to acknowledge the good work you have done at the EPA. I have
enjoyed working with you and wish you well for the future.
Yours sincerely
ACT
Hon David Parker
Minister for the Environment
cc:
The Board, Environmental Protection Authority
James Palmer, Chief Executive, Ministry for the Environment
Peter Hughes, Public Service Commissioner, Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service
Commission
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