On 14 Pipiri | June 2024 the Public Service Commissioner initiated an inquiry under the Public Service Act 2020.  The Inquiry covered allegations that third parties misused personal information provided to government agencies for 2023 Census and COVID-19 vaccination purposes during the 2023 election.

Te Puni Kōkiri was one of the six government agencies within scope of the Inquiry. In particular, the Inquiry examined contractual relationships entered into for COVID-19 vaccination purposes in 2021 and 2022 between Te Puni Kōkiri and Te Pou Matakana and Te Whānau o Waipareira (relevant service providers).

The Inquiry findings confirm that:

• Under the contracts Te Puni Kōkiri entered for COVID-19 vaccination purposes, Te Puni Kōkiri and the relevant service providers were not required to, and did not, share any personal information about any individuals.
• Te Puni Kōkiri did not receive any concerns or complaints about any of the relevant services providers and their management and use of personal information collected for COVID-19 vaccination and Census 2023 purposes.
• Consistent with Public Service Commission Conflict of Interest Model Standards, the contracts Te Puni Kōkiri entered with the relevant service providers contained appropriate conflict of interest provisions.

The Inquiry identified some areas for improvement for Te Puni Kōkiri:

• While there were appropriate conflict of interest provisions in Te Puni Kōkiri contracts with the relevant service providers no potential, actual or perceived conflicts of interest were identified by the providers or discussed by the parties.
• Te Puni Kōkiri did not consider the conflict of interest provisions during the term of those contracts thereby limiting its ability to act as a safeguard for any potential, actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Both the Ministry of Health and Te Puni Kōkiri had contracts with the relevant service providers however, there was a lack of clarity between the Ministry of Health and Te Puni Kōkiri as to who was responsible for identifying and managing conflicts of interests in these circumstances.

Te Puni Kōkiri fully accepts the findings of the Inquiry.  Recognising that robust and effective conflict of interest processes and practices are essential to maintaining trust and confidence in the public service, Te Puni Kōkiri has informed the Public Service Commissioner that it is taking timely and decisive action to address the matters identified by the Inquiry.

Attached Files

• Te Kawa Mataaho Protection of Personal Information Inquiry – Proactive release of documents