10 April 2024
Liam Hehir
[FYI request #25668 email]
Dear Mr Hehir
Thank you for your email of 8 February 2024 to Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities,
requesting the following information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act):
- A copy of Kāinga Ora's current policies and guidelines on the use of social media by
employees, especially regarding political commentary.
- Descriptions of any training or advisories provided to employees about the use of
social media and the expression of personal political views.
- Descriptions of the processes and criteria used to determine whether an employee's
social media activity is in breach of these policies.
- The number of complaints or inquiries received in the past year related to
employees' social media use, particularly in relation to political content during work
hours, and the outcomes of these cases.
On 6 March 2024 we sent you an email extending the time frame for responding to your
request under section 15A(1)(b) of the Act,
as consultations necessary to make a decision on
the request are such that a proper response to the request cannot reasonably be made
within the original time limit.
I have considered your request under the Act and can advise you that a decision has been
made regarding your questions. Information regarding employees’ social media use and
copies of relevant policies wil be released to you. I expect to provide you with a full response
within the next week.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this response.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
Freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Rachel Kelly
Manager Government Relations