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Does he agree that the principle of a politically neutral public service is, in the words of the Auditor-General, "inherently sensitive" in the context of paid advertising during industrial action; if so, what assurance can he provide that no similar paid advertising will be undertaken by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission once the independent review by Jane Meares into the Commission's social media messaging during October 2025 strike action has concluded?

Answered Question 20291 (2026)
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Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Does he agree that the principle of a politically neutral public service is, in the words of the Auditor-General, "inherently sensitive" in the context of paid advertising during industrial action; if so, what assurance can he provide that no similar paid advertising will be undertaken by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission once the independent review by Jane Meares into the Commission's social media messaging during October 2025 strike action has concluded?

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister for the Public Service and Digitising Government

Answer

I agree that that government spending on advertising and publicity is inherently sensitive. I am advised that if the external review finds the use of paid social media was not appropriate, the Commission will adapt future approaches.