40932 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Attorney-General

40932 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Attorney-General: Has the Attorney General spoken to Hon van Velden about the comments she made about her expectation that awards made by Employment Relation Authority Members would reduce under the appointments she has made; if so what did she say?

Hon Judith Collins: As Attorney-General I have responsibility for upholding the rule of law, which includes the independence of the courts. We have a strong tradition in New Zealand of a politically neutral and independent judiciary. I am aware of Minister Van Velden’s comments. Although Authority members are not judges, I consider that the values of political neutrality and independence apply similarly. I have spoken to Minister Van Velden and to Cabinet, and we are in agreement. I have explained the need for careful use of language when speaking of the judiciary or – in this case – Tribunal member appointments, to avoid the perception of any politicisation of the judiciary. I have no doubt that the new members, like all members of the Authority, will fulfil their oath to “faithfully and impartially perform his or her duties”.