Collection, Use and Sharing of Information Transparency Statement

This transparency statement explains how we collect, use and share information gathered about members of the public or other entities (directly or indirectly) in accordance with the Information Gathering Model Standards.

Te Puni Kōkiri does not have any law enforcement, regulatory compliance responsibilities, and does not gather any information for these purposes.

Te Puni Kōkiri has the following responsibilities under the Ministry of Māori Development Act 1991 (the Act):

1. promoting increases in the levels of achievement attained by Māori with respect to-
   1. education;
   2. training and employment;
   3. health;
   4. economic resource development;
2. monitoring, and liaising with, each department and agency that provides or has a responsibility to provide services to or for Māori for the purpose of ensuring the adequacy of those services.
3. The responsibilities of the Ministry of Māori Development above are in addition to other responsibilities conferred on the Ministry from time to time.

Te Puni Kōkiri collects information from individuals and whānau for the purpose of fulfilling its responsibilities under the Act, including information necessary for funding purposes, consultation regarding policy and law reform proposals, treaty settlement processes, appointments and general queries in relation to Te Puni Kōkiri services.

The security of our premises is managed in accordance with the Protective Security Requirements Guide for Te Puni Kōkiri, government Protective Security Requirements, government procurement rules and our health and safety policy.  The security of our information is managed in accordance with the Protective Security Requirements Guide for Te Puni Kōkiri, our Personal Information Policy and Personal Information processes, the Privacy Act 2020, the Official Information Act 1982 and the Public Records Act 2005. The information we hold is used only for the purpose for which it is collected or as otherwise advised, including as described in our Personal Information Policy. 

Note where we have serious concerns regarding potential threats to the physical security of staff, or the security of information or places, we will engage an appropriate authority such as the NZ Police.

Should we identify a need to gather information in scope of the model standards in future, we will ensure compliance with Information Gathering Model Standards, and update this transparency statement.

This statement applies to information gathered by us, our contractors, or any other third parties engaged by us to provide services to Te Puni Kōkiri.

Social Media Transparency Statement

Staff at Te Puni Kōkiri recognise social media as a valid and legitimate media channel and form of communication. Used appropriately, social media allows for greater transparency and enhanced interactive relationships and engagements with our communities, that can inform our mahi and build trust in Te Puni Kōkiri.

Te Puni Kōkiri accepts the use of social media as a way of facilitating communication and dialogue between its various audiences and communities, and of enhancing participation and engagement in Te Puni Kōkiri mahi. The Ministry uses social media to:

• inform the public of proposed or existing government policies
• inform the public of government services available to them
• advise the public of new, revised or existing entitlements or responsibilities
• encourage participation and engagement in consultation processes, or surveys to inform TPK mahi
• disperse information in emergencies and to respond to requests for assistance

While we appreciate differing viewpoints may be expressed, Te Puni Kōkiri will exercise the right to moderate and delete comments or content that is offensive, harmful, in breach of an individual’s privacy or otherwise damaging.

Private and direct messages on Te Puni Kōkiri social media channels will be monitored. Where we determine that a message requires a reply, this will be done in a respectful, neutral and factual manner.

Members of the public have the right to raise any concerns about the Ministry’s use of social media. This can be done by private or direct messaging the social media channel of concern, or by emailing comms@tpk.govt.nz. 

As part of the public sector, Te Puni Kōkiri is bound by political neutrality regarding use of social media. Staff are also required to comply with Te Puni Kōkiri’s Social Media Policy

Our staff are free to use social media in their private lives, in the same way as other citizens. Please read Guidance for State servants’ personal use of social media.

Enquiries and complaints

If you have any enquiries about our information gathering activities, or believe we have not acted in accordance with this statement, you should contact us at the following address: info@tpk.govt.nz.