IR-01-24-24713
27 August 2024
Katie Torrington
[FYI request #27621 email]
Tēnā koe Katie
Request for information
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 15 July 2024. You
requested:
I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act (OIA) regarding
any potential conflict of interest involving Vicki Campbell of Equilibrium Legal, who
recently served as the arbitrator for the pay offer negotiations between the
Government and the Police Association for sworn officers.
Specifically, I request the fol owing information:
i)
The number of, and nature of any contracts or engagements between NZ
Police and Vicki Campbel or Equilibrium Legal from June 2023 to June
2024.
ii)
Any declarations of conflict of interest made by Vicki Campbell in relation to
her role as the arbitrator in the recent sworn officer pay negotiations.
iii)
Records of communication between NZ Police and Vicki Campbel or
Equilibrium Legal regarding her appointment as the arbitrator for the pay
offer negotiations.
Police is refusing your request under section 18(c)(i) of the OIA, where the making
available of the information requested would be contrary to the provisions of the
Arbitration Act 1996.
In addition, Police is withholding information regarding related documentation in ful under
section 9(2)(j) OIA, where withholding is necessary to enable Police to carry on, without
prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial
negotiations). Police considers the interests requiring protection by withholding the
information are not outweighed by any public interest in the release of the information.
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.
Nāku noa, nā
Louise Cameron
Acting Director, Employment
Relations New Zealand Police