29 February 2024
Suzanne
[FYI request #25666 email]
Dear Suzanne
Official Information Request
Our Ref: OIA 2024-0007
I refer to your official information request received on 8 February 2024 where you have asked the
fol owing:
1. Are there any employee lead networks in the public sector which specifical y cater for
neurodiverse individuals?
2. Are there any specific career programmes for neurodiverse individuals?
3. What tools / support are available to public sector people leaders who are managing
individuals who identify as neurodiverse (whether disclosed or not).
4. Would a diagnosis of ADHD/ Autism preclude an individual from holding a National Security
Clearance?
On 16 February 2024 we notified you that we had transferred part four of your request to the New
Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) for response and that you could expect to hear further
from NZSIS pertaining to part four of your request.
Employee-led networks
Neurodiverse public servants have begun forming Employee-led Networks across a number of Public
Service agencies and some have reported on this growth in their annual reports.  Annual reports can
be found on agencies websites.
Last year, neurodiverse public servants came together to formalise a new cross-agency
neurodiversity network, which is an overarching network across the Public Service. The purpose of
the cross-agency neurodiversity network is to share and develop resources, provide peer support,
promote a more inclusive environment for neurodiverse staff and build a sense of community for
neurodiverse public servants.
Its governance group was formalised at the end of 2023 and is working towards planning their
inaugural Annual General Meeting. The network will be made up of representatives where an agency
has an internal neurodiversity network as well as individuals who work at an agency where there is
currently no relevant network to join.
There is also a wel -established  cross-agency network focused on disabled public servants.
Information in relation to that network can be found at the fol owing link:
https://employeenetworks.govt.nz/find-networks-events-and-resources/we-enable-us/.
Some
Level 10, RBNZ Building |   2 The Terrace | PO Box 329
Wel ington 6140 | New Zealand
Phone +64 4 495 6600

neurodiverse public servants are members of both, based on how they identify and what their needs
are.
Tools and support available
In 2020, the Learning Development Centre (LDC) provided an LDC Fel owship to David Hammond. He
was looking at steps public service leaders could take to enhance practices and their own leadership
approach to al ow neurodiversity to flourish within their organisations.  David Hammond’s report
titled ‘Neurodiversity: Untapped Talent – a guide for public sector recruitment’ can be found at the
following link: https://www.ldc.govt.nz/research/ldc-fellowship-research/david
Specific career programmes
The Commission does not hold any  information regarding specific  career programmes for
neurodiverse individuals. We are therefore refusing this part of your request under section 18(e) of
the Official Information Act 1982 on the grounds the information does not exist.
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 Te Kawa
Mataaho Public Service Commission’s website.
Yours sincerely
Nicky Dirks
Manager – Ministerial and Executive Services
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission

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