Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Ministry Of Education Spends Thousands Hunting Leaks To RNZ
John Gerritsen, Education correspondent
The Education Ministry is spending about $20,000 on its hunt for the sources of multiple leaks to RNZ.
Acting chief executive Ellen MacGregor-Reid answered questions about the investigation when she appeared before the Education and Workforce Select committee on Thursday.
She told the committee the budget was "a couple of tens-of-thousands".
MacGregor-Reid said the ministry's workplace culture was not to blame for staff sharing confidential documents.
"I don't think staff members leaking formal advice and government documents relates to workplace happiness. I think that reflects on whether or not public servants understand their code of conduct, the duty of the public service to be politically neutral, and that is something that I am holding public servants in the Ministry of Education to account for," she said.
Macgregor-Reid said she took the leaks very seriously.
"It is a matter I take very seriously as you can imagine as a public servant and something that is very important around our democratic processes to get to the bottom of," she said.
The ministry last month told RNZ it had appointed Michael Heron KC to investigate unauthorised disclosures.
RNZ saw four separate Budget-related documents earlier this year, the last of which prompted a court injunction on the grounds that it contained commercially sensitive information that would damage the government's ability to engage in collective bargaining.
Last year, it saw internal ministry documents related to curriculum work and restructuring plans.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Gordon Campbell: On Children’s Book Classics - The Moomins
Johnnie Freeland: Ko Tātou Tātou - Climate Action In Aotearoa Begins With Relationship
Zero Waste Network Aotearoa: Container Return Scheme Bill Would Double Recycling Rates And Put Money Back In Households
Wellington City Council: Statement From The Wellington Mayoral Forum On Options For Regional Governance Reform
MUNZ: TAIC Report On Kaitaki Incident Gives Shocking Picture Of Decline Of NZ Maritime Infrastructure
Greenpeace: New Climate Report Yet More Reason To Reduce Dairy Herd
Better Public Media: Opposing Plans To Scrap The BSA
