30 April 2026
Hayden
[email address]
Dear Hayden
Official Information Request
Our Ref: OIA 2026-0095
I refer to your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request transferred to us on 13 April 2026
from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, asking:
“What mechanism exists for ensuring that the stewardship obligations under sections
12 and 52 of the Public Service Act 2020 — specifical y the requirement to provide advice
on the "long-term implications of policies" and to "proactively promote stewardship" —
are met in relation to cross-portfolio mortality impacts.”
Information being released
As outlined in our response of 2 April 2026 to your previous request (OIA 2026-0057), the
Public Service Commissioner (the Commissioner) reviews the performance of Public Service
chief executives through a process of setting annual performance expectations and then
completing an annual performance review against those expectations, including receiving
advice from responsible ministers on performance. All legislative responsibilities of the chief
executive fall within scope of the performance review process. This includes responsibilities
under legislation the agency administers, as wel as those set out in section 52 of the Public
Service Act 2020. Ministerial input into the performance review process is particularly
important, both in setting performance expectations and reviewing performance against
those expectations.
The Commissioner has issued a Code of Conduct for the public sector which is supported by
principles guidance which can be found on the Commission’s website.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact
[email address]. You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available
at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
Level 10, Te Iho | 1 Bowen Street | PO Box 329
Wel ington 6140 | New Zealand
Phone +64 4 495 6600
Please note that we intend to publish this response (with your personal details removed) on
the Commission’s website.
Yours sincerely
Nicky Dirks
Manager – Ministerial and Executive Services
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
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