IN-CONFIDENCE
Hon Jo Goodhew
s9(2)(a)
(By email to s9(2)(a)
)
Dear Jo,
I am pleased to advise the Governor-General has appointed you as a member of
the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System (the Monitor) Board for
a term of four years commencing on 10 November 2025 and ending on
9 November 2029.
Enclosed is your appointment instrument. An appointment notice will shortly be
published in the
New Zealand Gazette.
In accordance with section 28(2) of the Crown Entities Act 2004, a copy of this
letter is provided to the Monitor’s Board Chair Dr Ang Jury.
The Independent Children’s Monitor
The role of the Monitor is to carry out objective, impartial, and evidence-based
monitoring of the Oranga Tamariki system. The Monitor’s objectives and functions
are set out in sections 13 and 14 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act
2022.
The Monitor is one of three agencies that comprise the oversight of the Oranga
Tamariki system. The other two agencies are the Children’s Commissioner and the
Ombudsman. Section 7 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act sets out
the duties the Monitor has in common with the other two agencies in the oversight
of the system.
Legislative framework for the appointment
Your appointment is made under, and in accordance with, sections 12, 12A and
12B of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act, and sections 28 to 35 of the
Crown Entities Act. Copies of the Acts can be found online at
http://www.legislation.govt.nz. In the following sections I refer to certain key
provisions of the Crown Entities Act which apply to your role as a member of the
Board.
Term of office
Section 32(3) of the Crown Entities Act relates to the term of office of members
of a statutory entity. Under this section, you may continue as a member despite
the expiry of your term. This is true until you are reappointed, your successor is
appointed, or you are informed in writing that you are not to be reappointed and
that no successor is to be appointed at that time.
IN-CONFIDENCE
Resignation
Section 44 of the Crown Entities Act states a member of a statutory entity may
resign from office by written notice to the responsible Minister (with a copy to the
entity) signed by the member.
Removal
Section 39 of the Crown Entities Act allows the Governor-General to remove any
member from the Board at any time for just cause (as defined in section 40 of the
Crown Entities Act), on the advice of the responsible Minister given after consultation
with the Attorney-General.
Key collective duties
As a member of the Board, you are required to comply with the collective duties
of the Board and individual duties of members of a statutory entity as set out in
the Crown Entities Act.
The collective duties of the Board of a statutory entity are to ensure that the entity
acts consistently with:
• section 49: objectives, functions, current accountability documents (such as
the Statement of Intent and Statement of Performance Expectations)
• section 50: that the statutory entity performs its functions efficiently and
effectively, in a manner consistent with the spirit of service to the public, and
in collaboration with other public entities where practicable
• section 51: that the entity operates in a financially responsible manner
• section 52: ensure the entity complies with sections 96 to 101 of the Crown
Entities Act relating to any subsidiaries it acquires or forms and other
interests.
Key individual duties
The individual duties of a member of a statutory entity are to:
• section 53: comply with the Crown Entities Act and the entity’s enabling Act
• section 54: when acting as a member act with honesty and integrity
• section 55: act in good faith and not pursue their own interests at the expense
of the entity’s interests
• section 56: exercise the care, diligence, and skill that a reasonable person
would exercise in the same circumstances
• section 57: not to disclose or make use of, or act on information that would
not otherwise be available to them, except in certain circumstances.
IN-CONFIDENCE
Disclosure of interests
In accordance with the conflicts of interest disclosure rules under sections 62–72
of the Crown Entities Act, you must continually disclose your interests in matters
relating to the Board to ensure that any perceived, potential or actual conflicts are
managed appropriately during your term.
I also expect you to raise with the Ministry of Social Development, and me as
responsible Minister, any issues that could affect your ability to contribute to the
Board or could cause embarrassment to the Monitor and/or the Government.
The Enduring Letter of Expectations from the Minister of Finance and Minister for
the Public Service underscores the importance of the ‘no surprises’ principle and
giving effect to the Code of Conduct for Crown Entity Board Members. Copies of
the Enduring Letter and Code of Conduct will be provided to you as part of your
Board induction.
Management of a conflict
I note that as part of the appointment process you disclosed a potential perceived
conflict as Chair of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury, which has a division
with contracts with Oranga Tamariki for child counselling and support services.
I also note that you are a current member of the New Zealand National Party and
hold a voluntary role with the Rangitata Electorate Committee.
The Board has processes in place for the declaration and management of interests,
to ensure members do not participate in discussions and/or decisions potentially
affected by or affecting their interests. I expect the interests you have identified
to be declared and managed through the Board’s interest processes.
Remuneration and anticipated workload
As an independent Crown Entity, remuneration for Monitor Board members is set
through the Remuneration Authority.
The Remuneration Authority has provided an indicative determination for a
Monitor Board member daily rate of s9(2)(a) . The Remuneration Authority will be
in contact with you directly to confirm its final determination for the daily rate.
You are also entitled to claim for actual and reasonable travelling expenses
incurred in carrying out your duties as a member of the Board. The Monitor’s Board
secretariat will be able to assist you with any claims and taxation matters.
The role is anticipated to involve a time commitment of up to 2–4 days per month,
although this may also be higher in the early stage of the Board’s establishment.
The actual time commitment will vary across the year and may be less than whole
days.
Acknowledgement of the appointment
I would be grateful if you could formally acknowledge your appointment by signing
the attached letter and returning it to the Ministry of Social Development by email,
who will record your acceptance on my behalf.
IN-CONFIDENCE
Ministry of Social Development contact
Your contact at the Ministry of Social Development for your appointment is Brian
McMillan, Principal Advisor Crown Entities (s9(2)(a)
@msd.govt.nz and
s9(2)(a)
). Alternatively, the team that supports appointments can be
contacted at [email address].
In conclusion
As you are aware, being a member of a statutory Crown entity is a significant role.
The Monitor’s Board provides an opportunity for you to make a major contribution
to the children’s sector in New Zealand. The skills and experience you bring to the
role are a considerable asset, and I wish you well for your time on the Board.
Sincerely
Hon Louise Upston
Minister for Social Development and Employment
cc Dr Ang Jury
, Chair
, Independent Children’s Monitor
IN-CONFIDENCE
Hon Louise Upston
Minister for Social Development and Employment
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON 6160
Dear Minister,
I acknowledge receipt of your letter advising me of my appointment as a member
of the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System (the Monitor) for a
term of four years, commencing on 10 November 2025 and ending on 9 November
2029. I confirm my acceptance of the appointment.
I will ensure that I keep myself familiar with the obligations and responsibilities of
the position. I am aware of the need to disclose and manage any conflicts of
interest as they arise.
I undertake to advise you and the Ministry of Social Development of any change
in my circumstances that may have an impact on my ability to continue to serve
as a member of the Monitor Board.
Yours sincerely
Hon Jo Goodhew: ______________________
Date: __________________
Please return via email to [email address]
