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Closing National Library For Memorial Service Would Not Have Been Appropriate - Minister
Bill Hickman, Journalist
A senior public servant's remains were taken to his Government department's office for a memorial service, after initial plans for them to be taken to the National Library were abandoned.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says neither scenario was appropriate.
The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed staff came together last week to farewell Deputy Secretary of Policy and Te Tiriti, Michael Lovett, in the department's Pipitea Street offices.
Lovett's remains were brought onsite for the service.
A spokesperson said: "Michael Lovett, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Internal Affairs, passed away last week after a short battle with cancer.
"Michael made a significant contribution during his eight years at the Department and his loss is keenly felt.:
They said that on 1 August, staff from the Department and other colleagues came together at the DIA office to farewell Michael at a private event.
Van Velden confirmed the service was originally planned to be held at the National Library and would've necessitated its temporary closure.
"Firstly, my heart goes out to the grieving family and friends of the deceased - it is no doubt a very difficult time for them with the passing of a loved one.
"I have expressed my view to the chief executive that I do not believe it was appropriate to plan to close the National Library for this purpose, nor for a deceased person to be present at the department's offices, and he has assured me that it will not happen again.
Van Velden said the National Library remained open and the service ended up being held in a meeting room - in Internal Affair's central Wellington office - which was not open to the public.
"I appreciate that staff may wish to mourn and express grief after the passing of a colleague, but I have asked the chief executive to review what occurred and look to alternatives that may be considered in future," van Velden said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Internal Affairs said Lovett - who spent eight years at Internal Affairs - "passed away last week after a short battle with cancer".
The Public Service Commission has been approached for comment but directed enquiries to the Department of Internal Affairs.
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