78793 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills

78793 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills: What information regarding conflicts of interest is explicitly requested or expected to be declared as part of the appointment process for Crown boards within ministries, departments, and agencies for which the Minister is responsible?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I am advised by the Ministry of Education that shortlisted candidates for appointment to Crown entities and other statutory boards in my Ministerial portfolio are required to complete a disclosure form that lists any actual, potential or perceived conflict(s) of interest. The Tertiary Education Commission has advised that during the Ministerial appointment process for a role on a tertiary education institution (TEI) council, candidates are asked to declare any current or potential known, or perceived, conflicts of interest that they may have regarding appointment to the council. This includes any personal or professional links with the TEI to which they are seeking appointment. Candidates are given multiple opportunities during the appointment process to declare any conflicts of interest.