Further to WPQ 2246 (2026), if there have been cases of workplace bullying at Kāinga Ora referred to external investigators or bodies, would the Minister expect to be informed of those matters, and if so, how does that expectation align with the claim that such information is operational and therefore not available to be provided to the House?

Answer

As set out in my response to WPQ 2246 (2026), employment-related matters at Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities fall within the organisation’s operational responsibilities under the Crown Entities Act 2004. Kāinga Ora is a statutory Crown Entity governed by an independent Board. Under the Crown Entities Act 2004, Crown Entities exercise operational independence from Ministers in relation to employment matters and day-to-day management decisions. Accordingly, detailed information about individual workplace investigations sits with Kāinga Ora rather than the Minister. While these matters are operational in nature, Kāinga Ora may, on occasion, advise Ministers’ offices of issues under the “no surprises” convention, particularly where a matter may be of significant seriousness, complexity, or potential public interest. Any such notification occurs at Kāinga Ora’s discretion and does not alter the organisation’s operational independence.