Chief ombudsman requests urgent meeting with head of Education Ministry after OIA subversion
New Zealand's Chief Ombudsman is seeking an urgent meeting with the Education Ministry following allegations that staff attempted to circumvent the Official Information Act. The controversy stems from a leaked video showing a manager instructing staff to hide feedback regarding draft school curriculums.
Why it matters
This highlights potential government transparency issues and the integrity of public information processes in New Zealand.
The chief ombudsman John Allen has requested an urgent meeting with the head of the Education Ministry.
In a statement Allen said he had significant concerns about allegations ministry staff tried to circumvent the Official Information Act (OIA).
The action followed publication this week of a video showing a ministry manager asking staff not to mention in writing feedback that had come from the Education Minister's office about draft secondary school curriculums.
The person who shared the footage told RNZ it was the most brazen of several attempts to avoid scrutiny via the OIA.
Allen announced on Wednesday afternoon he had sought a meeting with Secretary for Education Ellen MacGregor-Reid.
"I have significant concerns about these allegations," Allen said.
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