75457 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Finance

75457 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Finance: What guidance, if any, has the Minister's departments, if any, given staff regarding attendance at Hikoi mō te Tiriti on 19 November 2024?

Hon Nicola Willis: The Treasury provided the following information to staff and included a link to the Public Service Commission's guidance on political neutrality. Staff were also given information about potential impacts on public transport and security considerations. "The Public Service Commission provides guidance on how to navigate our roles as public servants and as citizens. While political neutrality does not prevent us from attending these types of gatherings as citizens, we must consider the impact of political activity on our roles as public servants. It is important that we use good judgement that is in consideration of the following: • Attendance is in our own time; outside of work hours or using leave • In a personal capacity with no visible markers; lanyards, name tags or other items that identify us as public servants • There is no usage of agency resources such as printers for posters Please also consider the seniority and nature of your role as a Treasury official and remind yourself of the Treasury’s social media policy and media policy." The Reserve Bank did not provide guidance to staff about attendance at Hīkoi mō te Tiriti. Four emails were sent in the days immediately preceding the Hīkoi notifying all staff of potential transport issues and providing the standard safety and security guidance for when there are events near the Reserve Bank building at 2 The Terrace next to Parliament. Two of the emails also reminded staff that people have the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly outside of work and that usual flexible leave options were available to staff.