New Zealand Law Society - Government updates expectations of Crown Entities

Government updates expectations of Crown Entities

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The Minister of Finance and MP for Wellington Central, Grant Robertson, has addressed an Enduring Letter of Expectations to the Board Chairs of Statutory Crown Entities.

The letter replaces the previous enduring letter of expectations that was published on 26 July 2012. It sets out the Government's expectations of all statutory Crown Entities, and is to be considered within the context of the Crown Entities Act and other relevant legislation.

The letter, which is signed by Mr Robertson and State Services Minister Chris Hipkins, says it is expected that the way each Board goes about its work is "grounded in acting in a spirit of service to everyone in our community and with integrity and care".

"This means you are open and transparent, managing the public’s money and assets wisely and doing the right thing in all circumstances including managing conflicts.

"As State sector employers we expect you to work with your agency’s chief executive and management team to:

  • ensure your workplaces are safe;
  • ensure your workplaces are diverse and inclusive;
  • make substantive progress to close any ethnic or gender pay gaps and narrow the gap between the highest and lowest earners in the workplace; and
  • ensure that employees have a voice in their workplace, including through effective and productive relationships with any relevant unions.

"We also expect you will continue to take account of the Government’s Expectations on Employment Relations in the State Sector. As a general rule, you should inform your Minister promptly of matters of significance within his or her portfolio responsibilities, particularly where these matters may be controversial or may become the subject of public debate."

The letter also says Crown Entities are expected to embody the Government's good-faith and collaborative approach to Māori Crown relationships, and to consider a three-element wellbeing approach as entities look at their direction and contribution, to be reflected in their external reporting.

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