20 December 2023
Ref: DOIA 2223-1126
John Luke
Email: [FYI request #24795 email]
Tēnā koe John Luke
Thank you for your email of 20 November 2023 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following information:
I noted you have a Māori Economic Development Advisory Board (MEDAB).
1. May I ask how you called for public nomination and on what platform you have call for public
nominations most recently, e.g. govt.jobs website.
2. Also, how many applications you have received from the public and how many you have
received from other nominating agencies such as TPK or Ministry of women etc.
3. Also, can you please supply the term of appointment and member's pay rate.
4. Further, the full meeting minutes of this board since establishment. I am also encouraging
you to upload the full meeting minutes to your website to ensure public transparency.
The Māori Economic Development Advisory Board (MEDAB) is a Ministerial Advisory Board that provides
advice to the Minister for Economic Development and the Minister for Māori Development in relation to
Māori economic development matters, particularly the Māori Crown Economic Development Strategy, He
Kai Kei Aku Ringa. MEDAB members are appointed by and report to the Minister for Māori Development
and Minister for Economic Development.
In making appointments to MEDAB, Ministers are required to have regard to, amongst other things,
potential candidates’ particular expertise in relation to the following skills:
a. knowledge and experience of Māori economic development;
b. practical experience in enterprise and entrepreneurship;
c. standing and reputation among relevant communities of interest;
d. connections with enterprises and organisations within the Māori economy; and
e. familiarity with economic-related policies and the commercial environment.
Nominations and appointments are carried out in accordance with the following guidelines:
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet guidelines
The appointments process | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission Board Appointment and Induction Guidelines
Guide: Board Appointment and Induction Guidelines (BAIG) - Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service
Commission
Cabinet Fees Framework, Circular CO (22) 2
CO (22) 2 - Revised Fees Framework for members appointed to bodies in which the Crown has an
interest | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC).
Calls for public nominations
In accordance with Cabinet guidance, responsible Ministers for appointments are invited to seek
nominations for vacancies from the Minister for Māori Development, the Minister for Pacific Peoples, the
Minister for Women, the Minister for Ethnic Communities, the Minister for Disability Issues or any other
colleagues with a particular area interest. Responsible Ministers may seek nominations from Ministerial
and Parliamentary colleagues. In the most recent MEDAB appointment process, as per Cabinet guidance,
the then Ministers for the Māori Development and Economic Development portfolios invited
recommendations from Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry for Women, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities,
Whaikaha - the Ministry for Disabled People, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and their caucus colleagues.
During the nomination process, candidates were given the opportunity to express their interest in being
shortlisted for the board positions. The decision-making by Ministers in selecting appointees took into
consideration the candidates' expertise, experience, and knowledge. This thorough approach ensures
that the appointed individuals bring a diverse range of perspectives and skills to the board, contributing
to its effectiveness and representing a broad spectrum of interests.
Number of applications received
In the nomination process, there were 41 nominations received. Originating from a range of sources; Te
Puni Kōkiri, Ministry for Women, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, MBIE and Whaikaha – the Ministry for
Disabled People, and the Government caucus of the day. Among these, 34 nominations were put forward
by various Ministries, highlighting a broad and diverse representation of expertise and perspectives
within government entities, ensuring a well-rounded consideration of candidates.
Terms of appointment and pay
The board members are appointed for a term of up to three years, with provision for reappointment. In
terms of remuneration, chairs receive a daily fee of $900 (excluding GST), while members receive $600
(excluding GST) per day. The responsible Ministers are authorised to determine the fees for the members
in accordance with the cabinet fees framework. Further information about this process can be found at
this link:
https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/guidance/interpreting-and-implementing-the-cabinet-fees-
framework/
Question 4 – meeting minutes
We will be publishing MEDAB board meetings minutes on our website. We are therefore refusing this
part of your request pursuant to section 18(d) of the Act as the information requestion will soon be
publicly available. We will update you with a link to the minutes when it becomes available.
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 if you are unhappy with this
decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Shar Amner
General Manager Maori, Te Tumu Houkura
Maori Economic Development Unit
Te Waka Putahitanga
