Subject: Official Information Act (OIA) Request - Freemasonry and Public Service Conflicts of Interest
SPENCER JONES made this Official Information request to Ministry of Justice
Currently waiting for a response from Ministry of Justice, they must respond promptly and normally no later than (details and exceptions).
From: SPENCER JONES
Dear Ministry of Justice,
Introduction:
This letter constitutes an Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request.
Request:
I am seeking information on the Ministry of Justice's policies and procedures regarding potential conflicts of interest arising from membership in Freemasonry among public servants, specifically within the Ministry of Justice.
Background:
Public trust in the integrity of the justice system is paramount. Media reports from the United Kingdom highlight concerns about potential conflicts of interest when Freemasons hold public service positions https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/cr....
Specific Inquiries:
1. Does the Ministry of Justice have any policies in place regarding conflicts of interest arising from membership in Freemasonry among its employees?
2. If the Ministry of Justice does not have a specific policy on Freemasonry, are there broader conflict of interest policies that would apply to such situations?
3. Does the Ministry of Justice maintain a register or record of employees who have declared membership in Freemasonry or any other potential conflicts of interest related to this organization?
Conclusion:
I believe this information is relevant to the public interest in maintaining a transparent and accountable justice system.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Spencer Jones
From: OIA@justice.govt.nz
Ministry of Justice
Tēnā koe,
Thank you for contacting the [1][Ministry of Justice request email] mailbox at the
Ministry of Justice.
This automatic message is to confirm we have received your email - we hope
to acknowledge you and advise next steps within two working days. Please
note that the Ministry's National Office will be closed from 23 December
to 6 January and any acknowledgement will be delayed.
Please note that this mailbox is not monitored on weekends, public
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Official Information Act requests can take up to 20 working days to
receive a response. If the Ministry needs more time, we will inform you.
Please note that for any request received over the summer holiday period
of 25 December to 16 January these are not considered working days under
the Act and your response may be later than you expect.
Ngā mihi,
Communications and Ministerial Services | Corporate Services
Ministry of Justice
Justice Centre I Aitken Street
DX Box SX 10088 I Wellington
[2]www.justice.govt.nz
References
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1. mailto:[Ministry of Justice request email]
2. http://www.justice.govt.nz/
From: OIA@justice.govt.nz
Ministry of Justice
Tēnā koe Spencer,
Thank you for emailing the Ministry of Justice (the Ministry).
We acknowledge receipt of your request under the Official Information Act
1982. Specifically, you requested:
1. Does the Ministry of Justice have any policies in place regarding
conflicts of interest arising from membership in Freemasonry among its
employees?
2. If the Ministry of Justice does not have a specific policy on
Freemasonry, are there broader conflict of interest policies that would
apply to such situations?
3. Does the Ministry of Justice maintain a register or record of employees
who have declared membership in Freemasonry or any other potential
conflicts of interest related to this organization?
This has been forwarded onto the relevant business unit to respond to.
The Ministry may publish the response to your request on our website, you
can expect that if your OIA is to be published that this will take place
at least 10 working days after it has been sent you. Your name and any
other personal information will be withheld under Section 9(2)(a) (protect
the privacy of natural persons).
You can expect a response by 10/02/2025.
Ngā mihi
Communications and Ministerial Services |Corporate Services
Ministry of Justice | Tāhū o te Ture
DX Box SX 10088 | Wellington
[1]www.justice.govt.nz
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