Official Information Act Request — Expenditure on The Pākehā Project

Liam Hehir made this Official Information request to Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Currently waiting for a response from Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, they must respond promptly and normally no later than (details and exceptions).

From: Liam Hehir

Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,

I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982. My request pertains to the decision made by the Ministry to have staff attend training by The Pākehā Project, a programme that, according to recent media coverage and its own promotional materials, appears to focus on themes that may be perceived as overtly political, particularly concerning decolonisation and systemic change.

Given the principles of political neutrality and stewardship required under the Public Service Act 2020, I am seeking detailed information on the rationale, decision-making, and assessment processes involved. Specifically, I request the following:

Cost and Analysis: The total amount spent by the Ministry on staff attendance at The Pākehā Project, including registration, travel, accommodation, and other expenses. Additionally, any cost-benefit analysis or justification made prior to approving the expenditure.

Effectiveness and Outcomes: Documentation or reports detailing the measurable outcomes or benefits observed following staff participation, along with any evaluations of the programme’s success or impact on departmental objectives.

Approval and Decision-Making: The names or titles of officials who authorised the expenditure, along with any records of internal discussions or concerns raised about the appropriateness or potential political nature of the programme.

Political Neutrality: Any steps taken to ensure compliance with the principle of political neutrality, including an assessment of whether the programme’s emphasis on decolonization could conflict with public service requirements.

Alternative Options: Records detailing whether any alternative cultural competency training programmes were considered, and the rationale for selecting The Pākehā Project over other available options.

I am particularly interested in understanding how the decision to engage with this programme aligns with public service obligations to remain apolitical while pursuing professional development.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any clarification of this request. I look forward to your timely response in accordance with the statutory timeframe.

Yours faithfully,

Liam Hehir

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From: NoReplyMinisterialServices
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment


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Kia ora Liam Hehir,
 
On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 5/11/2024 requesting, under the Official
Information Act 1982, the following:
I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act
1982. My request pertains to the decision made by the Ministry to have
staff attend training by The Pâkehâ Project, a programme that, according
to recent media coverage and its own promotional materials, appears to
focus on themes that may be perceived as overtly political, particularly
concerning decolonisation and systemic change.

Given the principles of political neutrality and stewardship required
under the Public Service Act 2020, I am seeking detailed information on
the rationale, decision-making, and assessment processes involved.
Specifically, I request the following:

Cost and Analysis: The total amount spent by the Ministry on staff
attendance at The Pâkehâ Project, including registration, travel,
accommodation, and other expenses. Additionally, any cost-benefit analysis
or justification made prior to approving the expenditure.

Effectiveness and Outcomes: Documentation or reports detailing the
measurable outcomes or benefits observed following staff participation,
along with any evaluations of the programme’s success or impact on
departmental objectives.

Approval and Decision-Making: The names or titles of officials who
authorised the expenditure, along with any records of internal discussions
or concerns raised about the appropriateness or potential political nature
of the programme.

Political Neutrality: Any steps taken to ensure compliance with the
principle of political neutrality, including an assessment of whether the
programme’s emphasis on decolonization could conflict with public service
requirements.

Alternative Options: Records detailing whether any alternative cultural
competency training programmes were considered, and the rationale for
selecting The Pâkehâ Project over other available options.

I am particularly interested in understanding how the decision to engage
with this programme aligns with public service obligations to remain
apolitical while pursuing professional development.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible, and no
later than 3/12/2024, being 20 working days after the day your request was
received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will
notify you of an extension of that timeframe. If you have any enquiries
regarding your request feel free to contact us via email to
[1][MBIE request email].
 
Nâku noa, nâ
Ministerial Services
Corporate Services, Finance  & Enablement
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
15 Stout Street, Wellington 6011 |  P O Box 1473 Wellington 6140

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