Kia ora Peter,

Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 request (the Act) to NZTE, received 3 October 2024 requesting:

I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982 concerning the costs incurred by NZTE for its internal awards programme held annually (Pounamu Awards). As a taxpayer concerned with the effective and efficient use of public funds, I am interested in understanding the financial implications and justifications of this internal awards programme. I understand NZTE pays for an EXTERNAL COMPANY to supply the technical and broadcast services, using taxpayer money for what sounds like an internal awards show.

Specifically, I would like to obtain detailed information on the following:

1. TOTAL EXPENDITURE
- The total annual cost of organising and executing the internal awards programmes for the past five fiscal years. This is to include:

A. EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS
- Details of contracts or agreements with external partners who assist in running the technical aspects of the awards programmes, including the selection process for these partners, contract durations, specific support provided, and the costs involved. Please be clear on the reason an external technology partner is required.

B. BREAKDOWN OF COSTS
- Travel Expenses: Costs associated with flights, accommodation, and any per diem allowances for participants, staff, and executives involved.
- Venue and Catering: Expenses for physical venues (if applicable) and any catering or hospitality services provided. Include alcoholic beverages as a separate line.
- Frequency and Participation: The number of times the show is conducted annually and duration

C. ASSESSMENT OF OUTCOMES AND JUSTIFICATION
- Provide any analysis on the Return on Investment (ROI) this use of taxpayer money provides
- What measures, if any, have been taken to reduce costs associated with the awards programme
- Please include discussions (texts, emails, summaries) of alternative methods considered for recognising staff achievements that may offer cost savings

Understanding these costs and their justifications is important for fostering transparency about the use of public funds and assessing the overall value these programmes bring to both the organisation and the public. Given the significant resources that appear to be dedicated to this show/events (including in collective employee time), it is in the public interest to ensure that such expenditures are justified and provide tangible benefits.

In accordance with the Act, NZTE will make a decision on your request as soon as reasonably practicable and within 20 working days of 3 October 2024. The latest date for a decision on your request is 1 November 2024.

Kind regards
Maya.

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Grayell <[FOI #28638 email]>
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2024 11:29 AM
To: Ministerials <[NZTE request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - NZTE Internal Awards Show

[You don't often get email from [FOI #28638 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear New Zealand Trade and Enterprise,

I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982 concerning the costs incurred by NZTE for its internal awards programme held annually (Pounamu Awards). As a taxpayer concerned with the effective and efficient use of public funds, I am interested in understanding the financial implications and justifications of this internal awards programme. I understand NZTE pays for an EXTERNAL COMPANY to supply the technical and broadcast services, using taxpayer money for what sounds like an internal awards show.

Specifically, I would like to obtain detailed information on the following:

1. TOTAL EXPENDITURE
- The total annual cost of organising and executing the internal awards programmes for the past five fiscal years. This is to include:

A. EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS
- Details of contracts or agreements with external partners who assist in running the technical aspects of the awards programmes, including the selection process for these partners, contract durations, specific support provided, and the costs involved. Please be clear on the reason an external technology partner is required.

B. BREAKDOWN OF COSTS
- Travel Expenses: Costs associated with flights, accommodation, and any per diem allowances for participants, staff, and executives involved.
- Venue and Catering: Expenses for physical venues (if applicable) and any catering or hospitality services provided. Include alcoholic beverages as a separate line.
- Frequency and Participation: The number of times the show is conducted annually and duration

C. ASSESSMENT OF OUTCOMES AND JUSTIFICATION
- Provide any analysis on the Return on Investment (ROI) this use of taxpayer money provides
- What measures, if any, have been taken to reduce costs associated with the awards programme
- Please include discussions (texts, emails, summaries) of alternative methods considered for recognising staff achievements that may offer cost savings

Understanding these costs and their justifications is important for fostering transparency about the use of public funds and assessing the overall value these programmes bring to both the organisation and the public. Given the significant resources that appear to be dedicated to this show/events (including in collective employee time), it is in the public interest to ensure that such expenditures are justified and provide tangible benefits.

I appreciate your time and assistance with this request. Under the provisions of the Official Information Act, I look forward to your response within 20 working days. If any part of my request is unclear or requires further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours faithfully,

Peter Grayell

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