The independent review of the Government’s controversial facebook adverts opposing the nationwide strikes last October is a waste of public money with no finding of fault able to be found.

Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission released the terms of reference yesterday, but dated 18 December. It states, ‘The reviewer will not make any findings of fault’ and will not consider the actions of anyone outside the commission or Ministers.

"The terms of reference are way too narrow and will not help in ensuring lessons are learned," said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

"Excluding findings of fault is a joke. What is the point if fault cannot be found and learned from?

"We have a costly review that seems more aimed at protecting Ministers and others than learning lessons.

"Workers have a right to strike, this should be the fundamental starting point.

"The Employment Relations Act requires the Commission, like all public sector employers, to negotiate and behave in good faith - the review needs to consider how the adverts undermined this clear obligation.

"Running a public relations campaign against workers rather than focusing on negotiating in good faith was wrong. Further they compromised the Commission’s duty to be politically neutral.

"The review is a waste of public money. The Government should have simply admitted it made the wrong call, apologised and said it won’t happen again."

The PSA stands ready to assist the independent reviewer to better understand the Commission’s damaging actions.

Previous statement

1 December 2025 PSA welcomes external review of Public Service Commission strike adverts - PM now needs to intervene in health dispute

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