EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
4 April 2024
s9(2)(a)
Ref: OIA OIA-2023/24-0585
Tēnā koe s9(2)(a)
1982
Official Information Act request: Communications regarding James Wallace
knighthood
Act
Thank you for your Official Information Act request received on 27 February 2024. You
requested:
“Any and all communications to and from the Department of the Prime Minister
and Cabinet regarding the status of the knighthood of James Hay WALLACE,
Information
including any communications with representatives of His Majesty King
Charles III.”
I have interpreted your request as being for all communications regarding the status
Official
of the knighthood of James Wallace after its conferral in 2011. Please advise if this is
incorrect.
the
The time frame for responding to your request was extended under section 15A of the
Act by 18 working days because consultations were needed before a decision could be
under
made on the request. Following this extension, I am now in a position to respond.
Information being released
I have decided to release the relevant parts of the attached documents, subject to
information being withheld as noted. The relevant grounds under which information has
Released
been withheld are:
1. section 9(2)(a), to protect the privacy of individuals
2. section 9(2)(ba)(ii), to protect information subject to obligation of confidence
where release would likely damage the public interest
3. section 9(2)(f)(i), to protect the confidentiality of Sovereign communications
4. section 9(2)(f)(iv), to maintain the confidentiality of advice tendered by or to
Ministers and officials
5. section 9(2)(g)(i), to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through
the free and frank expression of opinion.
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has also received, and replied to, two
requests under the Official Information Act 1982. These communications partially fall
within the scope of your query and are publicly available at the following addresses:
4859889
CABINET OFFICE, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, WELLINGTON 6011, NEW ZEALAND
Telephone: +64 (4) 830 5010. Email: [email address]
www.dpmc.govt.nz
https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/responses-official-information-requests-
september-2023; and
https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/responses-official-information-requests-
december-2023.
Information being withheld
I have decided to withhold in full the following documents under sections of the Act
identified.
Document
Withholding ground
Letter to James Wallace from Acting Clerk of Executive Section 9(2)(a) & (ba)(ii)
Council 6 July 2023
Letter from James Wallace’s lawyer to Acting Clerk of Section 9(2)(a) & (ba)(ii)
Executive Council 4 August 2023
Letter to James Wallace from Clerk of Executive Council Section 9(2)(a) & (ba)(ii)
18 August 2023
1982
Communications with King Charles III and representatives Section 9(2)(f)(i)
Communications with Governor-General
Section 9(2)(f)(i)
Act
Appendix to released memo to PM dated 4 August 2023
Section 9(2)(a),(ba)(ii) & (f)(i)
In making my decision, in accordance with section 9(1) of the Act I have considered
whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs the need to withhold the information,
and I have concluded that it does not.
Information
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
This response will be published on the Departme
Official nt of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s
website during our regular publication cycle. Typically, information is released monthly,
the
or as otherwise determined. Your personal information including name and contact
details will be removed for publication.
under
Nāku noa, nā
Released
Rachel Hayward
Clerk of the Executive Council
4859889
CABINET OFFICE, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, WELLINGTON 6011, NEW ZEALAND
Telephone: +64 (4) 830 5010. Email: [email address]
www.dpmc.govt.nz
Out of scope
From:
Honours [DPMC]
Sent:
Thursday, 16 September 2021 3:08 pm
To:
s9(2)(a)
Subject:
James Wallace
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Dears9(2)(a)
There was a recent case, as you may be aware, involving the forfeiture of a New Zealand Royal honour.
There is a process for such cases and you can find that information here.
Kind regards,
David Williams
for Honours Unit
Honours Unit | Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official
view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and C bine If you are not the intended recipient you must not
disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you ha e received this message in error, please destroy the email
and notify the sender immediately.
s9(2)(a)
d under the OIA
From:
Sent: Wednesday, 15 September 2021 4:04 PM
To: Honours [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Re: James Wallace
Hi David,
Thank you for your reply.
I understand the Honours Unit will not comment on the matter specifically.
Relea
In more general terms, if a person who is knighted is convicted of sexual offending would the Honors Unit
typically seek to have this revoked? What course of action typically follows when these events come to
light?
From my perspective as a New Zealand citizen, this is important to me because I want to see justice for
those affected by sexual violence. Part of this involves what recourse will come from the government
departments that enhanced the profile in which these predators leveraged to further their offending.
Regards,
1
s9(2)(a)
From: Honours [DPMC] <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 15 September 2021 3:12 PM
To: s9(2)(a)
Subject: James Wallace
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Dear s9(2)(a)
I acknowledge receipt of your email dated 9 September 2021.
The Honours Unit has no comment.
Kind regards,
David Williams
for the Honours Unit
Honours Unit | Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of th in ended recipient only and is not necessarily the official
view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not
disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If yo hav received this message in error, please destroy the email
and notify the sender immediately.
s9(2)(a)
under the OIA
From:
Sent: Thursday, 9 September 2021 10:56 PM
To: Honours [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: James Wallace
Hi there,
James Wallace is a co victed sex offender, why is he still afforded his knighthood? I would have expected
this to have been stripped as he has preyed upon young artists sexually.
Thanks,
s9(2)(a)
Release
2
Out of scope
From: Nicola Purvis [DPMC] <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 28 June 2023 4:04 pm
To: ^Parliament: Morgan Evans <[email address]>
Cc: ^Parliament: Shayne Misselbrook <[email address]>; Gia Garr ck
<[email address]>; Honours [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Honours forfeiture
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Thanks for your instruction Morgan, we will prepare advice for the Prime Minister.
Nga mihi
Nicola
Nicola Purvis (she/her)
Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet (Constitutional nd Honours)
er the OIA
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Direct dial:
s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
The Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
u
From: Morgan Evans <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 28 June 2023 3:57 pm
To: Nicola Purvis [DPMC] <[email address]>
Cc: ^Parliament: Shayne Misselbrook <[email address]>; Gia Garrick
<[email address]>
Subject: Honours forfeiture
Kia ora Nicola
On behalf of the Acting Prime Minister, would you please initiate the forfeiture procedure in
Released
respect of Sir James Wallace’s honours?
Nga mihi nui
Morgan
Morgan Evans (he/him) |
Advisor
s9(2)(a)
Office of Hon Carmel Sepuloni MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Social Development and Employment,
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region)
From:
Catherine Delore [DPMC]
To:
"Gia Garrick"; Nicola Purvis [DPMC]
Cc:
PMOmedia; DPMC Media [DPMC]
Subject:
RE: Statement request | James Wallace
Date:
Wednesday, 28 June 2023 4:11:36 pm
Attachments:
image001.png
Thanks Gia
From: Gia Garrick <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 28 June 2023 3:55 pm
To: Nicola Purvis [DPMC] <[email address]>
Cc: PMOmedia <[email address]>; DPMC Media [DPMC]
<[email address]>
Subject: RE: Statement request | James Wallace
Thank you. The statement will come from the Acting Prime Minister and her office is working
through that process now.
Draft statement, to go this afternoon.
The Acting Prime Minister has initiated the process for honours forfeiture. That process
includes affording Sir James Wallace an opportunity to respond with any comments that
he considers should be taken into account. There will be no further comment until that
process has reached its conclusion.
There is more information about the forfeiture process on the DPMC website: Having
honours taken away (forfeiture) | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
under the OIA
Cheers
Gia
From: Nicola Purvis [DPMC] <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 28 June 2023 3:43 PM
To: Gia Garrick <G [email address]>
Cc: PMOmedia [email address]>; DPMC Media [DPMC]
<Media@dpmc govt.nz>
Subject: RE: Statement request | James Wallace
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Released
Hi Gia
How about something like this:
the Prime Minister will be initiating the process for honours forfeiture; [PMO to confirm]
that process includes affording Sir James an opportunity to respond with any comments
that he considers should be taken into account;
if after that time the Prime Minister decides to proceed with recommending forfeiture of
the honour, he will write to The King advising him to cancel the honour;
there will be no further updates provided until that process has reached a conclusion
there is more information about the forfeiture process on our website: Having honours
taken away (forfeiture) | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
Nga mihi
Nicola
Nicola Purvis (she/her)
Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet (Constitutional and Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Direct dial:
s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
The Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
From: Gia Garrick <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 28 June 2023 2:59 pm
To: Nicola Purvis [DPMC] <[email address]>
Cc: PMOmedia <[email address]>
Subject: FW: Statement request | James Wallace
Hey Nicola – could I please seek some advice on the below? Is there a usual process for
situations like this which will now be triggered?
under the OIA
Cheers
Gia
From: Kieran Meredith <Kieran [email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 28 June 2023 2:46 PM
To: Gia Garrick <[email address]>
Cc: Mark Sleeman <[email address]>
Subject: FW: S atement request | James Wallace
Hey Gia – see below? Have told s9(2)(a) we won’t do an on-camera (which she asked for) but will
send a written statement..
Released
From: s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 28 June 2023 2:43 PM
To: Mark Sleeman <[email address]>; Kieran Meredith
<[email address]>
Subject: Statement request | James Wallace
Hi!
Can we get some lines on this issue, or get the Acting PM on camera if she’s free.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/06/28/govt-starts-process-for-stripping-sir-james-wallace-
of-knighthood/
Many thanks,
s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a)
under the OIA
Released
Out of scope
From:
David PH Jones KC s9(2)(a)
Sent:
Thursday, 21 December 2023 9:20 am
To:
David Williams [DPMC]
Subject:
Re: Mr James Wallace
David,
I confirm that your correspondence of 18 August 2023 and your email of 11 December 2023 have been forwarded to
Mr Wallace. I will fol ow that up when I next speak with him.
Yours faithfully
David PH Jones KC
Lorne Street Chambers, Level 3, 26 Lorne Street, Auckland 1010
PO Box 1750, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140
T: +64 9 357 3566 | s9(2)(a)
| s9(2)(a)
Notice of Confidential Information
The information contained in this electronic communication and any attachments is confidential nd may also be legally privileged. If the
reader of this message is not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, disc sure, copying or distribution of the information is
prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immedia ely by return email and delete the message and any
accompanying attachments from your computer system.
nder the OIA
From: "David Williams [DPMC]" <[email address]>
Date: Monday, 11 December 2023 at 11:16 AM
To: DAVID PH JONES QC s9(2)(a)
Subject: Mr James Wallace
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Dear David
Following up from our email dated 18 August 2023, we would be grateful if you could please confirm that
Mr Wallace has also received the letter dated 18 August 2023 from Rachel Hayward, Secretary and
lease
Registrar of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Out of scope
Kind regards
David
David Williams
Senior Advisor (Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
1
Out of scope
From:
David Williams [DPMC]
Sent:
Monday, 21 August 2023 12:38 pm
To:
David PH Jones KC
Subject:
Mr James Wallace
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Dear David
Following on from Rachel Hayward’s letter of 18 August 2023, here is the link to the publication that the
King has approved the cancellation of Mr Wallace’s Knighthood in the New Zealand
Gazette: https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2023-vr3853
Kind regards
David
David Williams
Senior Advisor (Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
DDI: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention o the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official
view or communication of the Department of the Prime Mi ister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not
disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email
and notify the sender immediately.
Duplicate
d under the OIA
Duplicate
From: David Williams [DPMC]
Sent: Friday, 18 August 2023 11:44 am
To: David PH Jones KC s9(2)(a)
Subject: Mr James Wallace
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Dear David
Please find attached a copy of a letter dated 18 August 2023 from the Rachel Hayward, Secretary and
Registrar of the New Zealand Order of Merit to Mr James Wallace, with the original coming by post.
Could you please pass this onto Mr Wallace as soon as possible (today) because this matter will be notified
in the New Zealand Gazette on Monday 21 August 2023.
Kind regards
David
David Williams
Senior Advisor (Honours)
under the OIA
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Welling on 6011, New Zealand
DDI: s9(2)(a)
ed
Email: [email address]
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information contained i this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official
view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not
disclose, copy or dist bute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email
and notify the s nder mmed ately.
From: David Williams [DPMC]
Relea
Sent: Friday, 4 August 2023 1:50 pm
To: David PH Jones KC s9(2)(a)
Cc: Diana Hawker [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Sir James Wallace
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Dear David
I acknowledge on behalf of Diana Hawker, recipient of this correspondence dated 4 August 2023 from
yourself on behalf of Sir James Wallace.
2
Kind regards
David
David Williams
Senior Advisor (Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
DDI: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official
view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must n t
disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destro the emai
and notify the sender immediately.
From: David PH Jones KC s9(2)(a)
Sent: Friday, 4 August 2023 1:40 pm
To: Diana Hawker [DPMC] <[email address]>
Cc: David Williams [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Sir James Wallace
Diana,
Please find attached a response on behalf of Sir James Wallace to the correspondence dated 6 July 2023 from the
Acting Clerk of the Executive Council.
If you have any enquiries in this regard, let me know under the OIA
Yours faithfully
David PH Jones KC
Lorne Street Chambers, Level 3, 26 Lorne Street, Auckland 1010
PO Box 1750, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140
s9(2)(a)
ased
T: +64 9 357 3566 |
| s9(2)(a)
Notice of Confidential Information
The information con ain d in this electronic communication and any attachments is confidential and may also be legally privileged. If the
reader of thi messag is n t the intended recipient you are notified that any use, disclosure, copying or distribution of the information is
prohibited If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and delete the message and any
accompanying attachments from your computer system.
Rel
From: "David Williams [DPMC]" <[email address]>
Date: Friday, 4 August 2023 at 8:39 AM
To: DAVID PH JONES QC s9(2)(a)
Subject: correspondence for Sir James Wallace
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Dear David
3
Could you please confirm that you passed to Sir James Wallace the attached letter dated 6 July 2023 from
the Acting Clerk of the Executive Council?
The deadline for any submission that Sir James wishes to make is 5pm today. Should we expect any
submission from or on behalf of Sir James before that deadline?
I would appreciate it if you would provide any submission to [email address] and copy it to
me.
Kind regards
David
David Williams
Senior Advisor (Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
DDI: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipien only and is not necessarily the official
view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not
disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email
and notify the sender immediately.
From: David Williams [DPMC]
Sent: Thursday, 6 July 2023 9:54 am
s9(2)(a)
under the OIA
To: David PH Jones KC
Subject: correspondence for Sir James Wallace
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Dear David
Thank you for this advice
A copy of the letter is attached, with the original coming by post. I’d be grateful if you could pass it on to
Sir James
Kind regards Release
David
David Williams
Senior Advisor (Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
DDI: s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
4
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official
view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not
disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email
and notify the sender immediately.
From: David PH Jones KC s9(2)(a)
Sent: Wednesday, 5 July 2023 10:25 am
To: David Williams [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Re: correspondence for Sir James Wallace
David,
Thank you for your message. I continue to act for Sir James and could accept documents for him. I have no express
authority in relation to the material you have but if you forward it to me, I will ensure he is apprised of it and will
confirm (retrospective) authorisation to accept service. If that is unacceptable, I will have o obtai his authority
over the next couple of days after I speak to him. The Rannoch address is correct but he is not there for obvious
reasons.
Let me know what you want to do.
Yours faithfully
David PH Jones KC
Lorne Street Chambers, Level 3, 26 Lorne Street, Auckland 1010
PO Box 1750, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140
s9(2)(a)
s9(2)(a)
der the OIA
T: +64 9 357 3566 |
|
Notice of Confidential Information
The information contained in this electronic communication and any attachments is confidential and may also be legally privileged. If the
u
reader of this message is not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, disclosure, copying or distribution of the information is
prohibited. If you have received this message in erro , pl ase notify the sender immediately by return email and delete the message and any
accompanying attachments from your computer system.
From: "David Williams [DPMC]" <[email address]>
Date: Monday, 3 July 2023 at 1:28 PM
To: DAVID PH JONES QC s9(2)(a)
Subject: correspondence for Sir James Wallace
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Released
Kia ora Mr Jones
I understand from various court judgements that you have been acting for Sir James. The Acting Clerk of the New
Zealand Executive Council has some important personal correspondence for him. The address Sir James has
previously supplied to us:
s9(2)(a)
5
I would be grateful if you could please advise whether you are authorised to accept correspondence on Sir James’
behalf (both by email and post) and if not, whether you can provide me with the details of any person who is so
authorised.
Hei konā mai,
David
David Williams
Senior Advisor (Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
DDI:s9(2)(a)
Email: [email address]
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the officia
view or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not
disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email
and notify the sender immediately.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipien only and is not necessarily the official view
or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy
or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this messag in error, please destroy the email and notify the
sender immediately.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official view
or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Ca inet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy
under the OIA
or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email and notify the
sender immediately.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official view
or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy
or distribute this message or the inform tion in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email and notify the
sender immediately.
The inform tion contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official view
or communic tion of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy
Released
or distribute thi message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email and notify the
sender immediately.
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official view
or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy
or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email and notify the
sender immediately.
6
The information contained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the official view
or communication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose, copy
or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please destroy the email and notify the
sender immediately.
under the OIA
Released
7
Out of scope
From:
David Williams [DPMC]
Sent:
Friday, 15 March 2024 3:07 pm
To:
Grace Miles [DPMC]
Subject:
FW: Letter from s9(2)(a)
Attachments:
tebbsj_19-07-2023_9-01-13_1.pdf
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Flagged
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
From: Jacqui Tebbs [GovtHouse] <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 9:07 AM
To: David Williams [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: Letter from s9(2)(a)
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Hiya David
Attached is a letter from the above regarding opposition to the removal of the knighthood for James Wallace and
our reply.
Out of scope
er the OIA
Cheers
jacqui
Jacqui Tebbs (she/her)
Executive Assistant
Government House
E [email address] | M s9(2)(a)
| W www.gg.govt.nz
Released
1
[Not in Scope]
From: David Williams [DPMC]
Sent: Monday, 21 August 2023 12:24 pm
To: Charlotte Gendall <[email address]>
Cc: Andrew Campbell <[email address]>; Nicola Purvis [DPMC]
<[email address]>
Subject: Forfeiture of James Wallace's knighthood
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Kia ora Charlotte
We have now published in the
New Zealand Gazette a no ice advising that the King has
approved the cancellation of James Wallace’s Knighthood
Kind regards
David
David Williams
Senior Advisor (Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
s9(2)(a)
d under the OIA
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
DDI:
Email: [email address]
Cabinet Office is a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The information co tained in this email message is for the attention of the intended recipient only and is not necessarily the
official view or c mmunication of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. If you are not the intended recipient you
must not disc se, copy or distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received this message in error, please
destroy the ma and notify the sender immediately.
From: Charlotte Gendall <[email address]>
Relea
Sent: Friday, 18 August 2023 4:46 pm
To: Nicola Purvis [DPMC] <[email address]>; Andrew Campbell
<[email address]>
Cc: David Williams [DPMC] <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Forfeiture of James Wallace's knighthood
Thank you Nicola, for this heads up.
Charlotte Gendall | Press Secretary
Office of the Prime Minister
s9(2)(a)
From: Nicola Purvis [DPMC] <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 18 August 2023 4:38 PM
To: Andrew Campbell <[email address]>; Charlotte Gendall
<[email address]>
Cc: David Williams <[email address]>
Subject: Forfeiture of James Wallace's knighthood
[IN-CONFIDENCE]
Kia ora Andrew and Charlotte,
We’ve now had formal notification from the Palace that the King has approved the cancellation
of James Wallace’s Knighthood and we have written to Mr Wallace to advise him. The next step
is for the publication of a Gazette notice to that effect, which will be published in the NZ Gazette
on Monday. The PM may be asked about it at his post Cabinet press conference.
Please keep this confidential until Monday to allow time for Mr Wallace’s lawyer to inform him
first.
Some key messages if the PM is asked:
Notification in the Gazette is the final formal step in the forfeiture process.
under the OIA
The PM formally advised The King to cancel and annul the appointment of James Wallace
as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
The date of 15 August set out in the Gazette notice is the date of the King’s formal
approval.
As a result, Mr Wallace is no longer entitled to use the title “Sir” or the post-nominal
“KNZM”, and has been asked to return his Warrant of appointment and honours insignia
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sed
to the Honours Unit.
There is more information about the forfeiture process on DPMC’s website: Having
honours taken away (forfeiture) | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
Hope that all makes sense, let me know if you need anything more from us.
Nga mihi
Nicola
Nicola Purvis (she/her)
Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet (Constitutional and Honours)
Cabinet Office, Executive Wing,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Direct dial: s9(2)(a)
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My initial questions are as follows:
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Last year, James Wallace was reportedly stripped of his knighthood. A New Zealand Gazette notice has appeared
saying that his appointment as a KNZM has been cancel ed but does not mention his status as a knight, which is
separate from his membership of the New Zealand Order of Merit. The statutes of the Order authorise the
Governor-General to “confer the Accolade of Knighthood on Knights Grand Companions and Knights Companions
if such Knights have not previously received the Accolade” but knighthood (conferred by the accolade) is neither
a prerequisite to investiture nor an intrinsic attribute of membership for men of the two top levels of the Order.
Wallace was ‘dubbed’ at his KNZM investiture. His appointment as a KNZM has been validly cancelled; will any
action be taken to rescind his knighthood?
Yours sincerely,
2
s9(2)(a)
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