21102 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Universities

Written Question

Published date: 16 May 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	21102 (2025)
Question asked:	04 May 2025
Member asking:	Francisco Hernandez
Portfolio:	Minister for Universities
Minister replying:	Hon Dr Shane Reti
Answer received:	12 May 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_21102_2025
Document guid:	69d0c264-c738-49d3-9f42-781966a94acd

21102 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Universities: Why were university leadership and the Free Speech Union the only stakeholder groups that the regulatory impact statement on 'strengthening freedom of speech in New Zealand's Universities,' identified as being engaged with as part of the policy development?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised by the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) that the timeframe for including the freedom of expression policy in the Education and Training Amendment Bill (no. 2) did not allow time for broad consultation to inform policy development. The Ministry did engage early with the Ministry of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. There will be opportunity for wider consultation during the select committee process.