Ombudsman investigates claims Ministry of Education officials bypassed OIA

The Chief Ombudsman has launched a formal investigation into allegations that officials at the Ministry of Education attempted to bypass the Official Information Act (OIA). Chief Ombudsman John Allen met with Secretary for Education Ellen MacGregor-Reid and Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche on Friday morning to discuss the matter. Allen stated he aims to complete the investigation as quickly as possible without sacrificing thoroughness.

The probe follows a leaked video of Dr Catherine Law, a senior official on secondment from a school principal role, telling staff not to put information shared with Education Minister Erica Stanford's office in writing. Dr Law was reportedly speaking during an online meeting when the comments were made. Secretary MacGregor-Reid said she could not explain the comments and stated, "What she said was wrong, she should not have said it".

Education Minister Erica Stanford told Parliament that it was "very disappointing" to see the comments and denied that her office had ever suggested non-compliance with the OIA. Meanwhile, a separate review prompted by staff concerns recently reported issues including unprofessional workplace behaviours, favouritism, and a fear of speaking up. MacGregor-Reid has commissioned another review to determine if there is a wider problem within the ministry.

How it developed

• Fri 25 Sep, 1:44pmEducation Minister Erica Stanford addressed the matter in the House, stating her office never directed staff to avoid OIA compliance.

Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald, The Post and Otago Daily Times.