Communications on Christine Rankin and Conservative Party Activity
Alex Harris made this Official Information request to Minister for Social Development
The request was successful.
From: Alex Harris
Dear Minister of Social Development,
On 10 May 2013 it was reported that Families Commissioner Christine Rankin had been appointed CEO of the Conservative Party ("Conservative Party's New CEO Christine Rankin", 10 May 2013). The press release also revealed that Rankin has been a member of the Conservative party board since July 2012. Such a position seems to pose a conflict of interest between Rankin's political activities and her role as a state servant. I would like to request the following information under the OIA:
* any communications or advice on the compatibility of Rankin's political activities with her role as a state servant. In particular I am interested in whether Rankin informed the Minister of her intention to take up these positions, and any advice the Minister gave her or SSC about managing the conflict of interest.
A parallel request has been filed with the State Services Commission to get their end of the story.
I would prefer to receive an electronic response. Queries about this request will be automatically forwarded to me by the fyi.org.nz website.
With regards to s12 of the OIA, I am an NZ citizen and in NZ.
Yours faithfully,
Alex Harris
From: Alex Harris
Dear Minister of Social Development,
On May 13 2013 I submitted an OIA request for information about communications around then-Families Commissioner Christine Rankin's membership of the Conservative Party. The statutory 20 day period has expired, and I have not received an acknowledgement, let alone a response. Will you be replying soon, or do I need to go to the Ombudsman?
Yours faithfully,
Alex Harris
From: Fau Logo
Hello Alex
The Minister for Social Development, Hon Paula Bennett, has asked me to thank you for your email of 20 June.
Unfortunately, we do not have any record of your email of 13 May 2013 requesting information under the Official Information Act.
Could you please resend your original email?
Kind regards,
Fau Logo
Private Secretary, Office of Hon Paula Bennett
Minister for Social Development | Associate Minister of Housing
Executive Wing 5.5, Parliament Buildings| Private Bag 18041 | Wellington 6160
Telephone: +64 4 817 6815 | Fax: +64 4 817 6515 | Email: [email address]
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Sent request to Minister for Social Development again.
From: Fau Logo
Hello Alex
The Minister for Social Development, Hon Paula Bennett, has asked me to
thank you for your email of 21 June 2013 requesting, under the Official
Information Act 1982, the following:
" any communications or advice on the compatibility of Rankin's political
activities with her role as a state servant. In particular I am interested
in whether Rankin informed the Minister of her intention to take up these
positions, and any advice the Minister gave her or SSC about managing the
conflict of interest."
Consideration is currently being given to your request and you can expect
a reply at the Minister's earliest opportunity.
Kind regards
Fau Logo
Private Secretary, Office of Hon Paula Bennett
Minister for Social Development | Associate Minister of Housing
Executive Wing 5.5, Parliament Buildings| Private Bag 18041 | Wellington
6160
Telephone: +64 4 817 6815 | Fax: +64 4 817 6515 | Email:
[1][email address]
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From: Alex Harris
Dear Fau Logo,
According to the Ombudsman's online calculator, a response to my OIA request for communications about Christine Rankin's relationship with the conservative party while she was a member of the Families Commission was due on 19 July. No response has been received yet. Will I be receiving one soon, or do I need to contact the Ombudsman?
Yours sincerely,
Alex Harris
From: Fau Logo
Dear Alex,
We apologise for the delay in responding to your Official Information Act request for information relating to communications about Christine Rankin's relationship with the Conservative Party while a member of Families Commission.
Your request for information is still being processed and will be sent to you as soon as it is approved for release.
Again, we apologise for any inconvenience to you.
Kind Regards,
Fau
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From: Fau Logo
Hello Alex
Please find attached a response to your OIA request of 21 June 2013 from
the Hon Paula Bennett.
Kind regards
Fau Logo
Private Secretary, Office of Hon Paula Bennett
Minister for Social Development | Associate Minister of Housing
Executive Wing 5.5, Parliament Buildings| Private Bag 18041 | Wellington
6160
Telephone: +64 4 817 6815 | Fax: +64 4 817 6515 | Email:
[1][email address]
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