Pay negotiations 2024 - arbitrator conflict of interest

Katie Torrington made this Official Information request to New Zealand Police

Currently waiting for a response from New Zealand Police, they must respond promptly and normally no later than (details and exceptions).

From: Katie Torrington

Dear New Zealand Police,

I am writing to submit a renewed request under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). This request follows my original submission dated 15 July 2024, which was declined under sections 18(c)(i) and 9(2)(j) of the Act.

Given that the pay negotiations between the Government and the Police Association for sworn officers have since concluded, I believe the grounds for withholding previously cited — particularly section 9(2)(j) regarding active negotiations — no longer apply.

I therefore respectfully request the following information:

1) The number of, and nature of, any contracts or engagements between NZ Police and Vicki Campbell or Equilibrium Legal from June 2023 to June 2024.

2) Any declarations of conflict of interest made by Vicki Campbell in relation to her role as arbitrator in the recently concluded sworn officer pay negotiations.

3) Records of communication between NZ Police and Vicki Campbell or Equilibrium Legal regarding her appointment as arbitrator for those negotiations.

If any part of this request remains subject to section 18(c)(i) of the OIA, I ask that NZ Police clarify precisely how the Arbitration Act 1996 prevents disclosure, and whether a summary or redacted version could reasonably be provided under section 16 of the OIA.

As the negotiations have concluded and the matter is of public interest, I believe the public interest in transparency now outweighs any residual need for confidentiality.

Yours faithfully,

Katie Torrington

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From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police

Tēnā koe

I acknowledge receipt of your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request below.

Your reference number is IR-01-25-17291.

You can expect a response to your request on or before 9 June 2025 unless an extension is needed.

Ngā mihi
Siena (she/her)
Advisor - Ministerial Services
Police National Headquarters

-----Original Message-----
From: Katie Torrington <[FOI #30950 email]>
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2025 2:40 PM
To: Ministerial Services <[email address]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Official Information request - Pay negotiations 2024 - arbitrator conflict of interest

CAUTION: This email originated from outside the New Zealand Police Network. DO NOT click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and are assured that the content is safe.

Dear New Zealand Police,

I am writing to submit a renewed request under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). This request follows my original submission dated 15 July 2024, which was declined under sections 18(c)(i) and 9(2)(j) of the Act.

Given that the pay negotiations between the Government and the Police Association for sworn officers have since concluded, I believe the grounds for withholding previously cited — particularly section 9(2)(j) regarding active negotiations — no longer apply.

I therefore respectfully request the following information:

1) The number of, and nature of, any contracts or engagements between NZ Police and Vicki Campbell or Equilibrium Legal from June 2023 to June 2024.

2) Any declarations of conflict of interest made by Vicki Campbell in relation to her role as arbitrator in the recently concluded sworn officer pay negotiations.

3) Records of communication between NZ Police and Vicki Campbell or Equilibrium Legal regarding her appointment as arbitrator for those negotiations.

If any part of this request remains subject to section 18(c)(i) of the OIA, I ask that NZ Police clarify precisely how the Arbitration Act 1996 prevents disclosure, and whether a summary or redacted version could reasonably be provided under section 16 of the OIA.

As the negotiations have concluded and the matter is of public interest, I believe the public interest in transparency now outweighs any residual need for confidentiality.

Yours faithfully,

Katie Torrington

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