Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the regulatory standards bill. As someone involved in regulatory systems and policy, I want to talk about their design and likely impact. Let me be direct: these proposals lack any supporting evidence that they would improve our regulatory environment. Instead, they demonstrate a troubling pattern of overreach....
“Release it,” says the Minister, pushing the report back across his desk. “All of it.” The Chief Executive stares at the thick document – six months of analysis on prison reform. “Minister, our advice is clear. The proposed changes carry significant risks.” “Yes,” the Minister says, leaning back. “Your advice is clear, thorough, and I...
From my position by the door, I watch four Ministers from three parties circle the Cabinet committee room like wary cats. Housing from Labour, Finance from Labour, Infrastructure from NZ First, and Local Government from the Greens – each armed with different advice about the urban development legislation and housing. “My officials are clear,” the...
My name is Deb Te Kawa. I oppose this Bill. As mokopuna of Paora Haenga and a seasoned public policy practitioner teaching at Canterbury University, I oppose the Treaty Principles Bill with personal conviction rooted in my whakapapa and professional judgment informed by decades of expertise. My tūpuna understood the Crown’s role needed clear definition...
Opinion: He Poneketanga : Red Tape? More scissors, less string
6/12/2024
Welcome again to He Pōneketanga. My monthly column, where I offer an insider/outsider’s view of how governments work. After years in the public service trenches and advising the private and charity sectors in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, I’ve seen how policies play out when they hit the real world. The mounting cost of regulatory...
From my usual seat at the far end of the table in the Minister’s office, I watch another tense briefing unfold about Māori unemployment statistics. Being a Private Secretary means I see these moments play out daily, but this one feels different. “Show me what’s really happening,” the Minister demands, drumming fingers on the latest...
“This is censorship,” the Principal Advisor declares, waving his draft journal article. “I have two PhDs and twenty years of expertise. The public needs to hear my critique of the government’s trade policy. What happened to free speech in this country?” The Chief Executive suppresses a sigh. The Principal Advisor works for me. This is...
The difference between policy dreams and real-world change lies in one crucial factor: implementation. Success or failure ultimately rests with the people who transform ideas into action. I’m excited to announce He Pōneketanga, my new monthly column offering unique insights into the intricate dynamics between elected officials and civil servants. Drawing from my experience working...
Comment: Regulatory Standards Bill
13/1/2025
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the regulatory standards bill. As someone involved in regulatory systems and policy, I want to talk about their design and likely impact. Let me be direct: these proposals lack any supporting evidence that they would improve our regulatory environment. Instead, they demonstrate a troubling pattern of overreach....
View article“Release the Lot!”
27/12/2024
“Release it,” says the Minister, pushing the report back across his desk. “All of it.” The Chief Executive stares at the thick document – six months of analysis on prison reform. “Minister, our advice is clear. The proposed changes carry significant risks.” “Yes,” the Minister says, leaning back. “Your advice is clear, thorough, and I...
View articleThe Whiteboard Circuit Breaker
20/12/2024
From my position by the door, I watch four Ministers from three parties circle the Cabinet committee room like wary cats. Housing from Labour, Finance from Labour, Infrastructure from NZ First, and Local Government from the Greens – each armed with different advice about the urban development legislation and housing. “My officials are clear,” the...
View articleSubmission: Treaty Principles Bill
13/12/2024
My name is Deb Te Kawa. I oppose this Bill. As mokopuna of Paora Haenga and a seasoned public policy practitioner teaching at Canterbury University, I oppose the Treaty Principles Bill with personal conviction rooted in my whakapapa and professional judgment informed by decades of expertise. My tūpuna understood the Crown’s role needed clear definition...
View articleOpinion: He Poneketanga : Red Tape? More scissors, less string
6/12/2024
Welcome again to He Pōneketanga. My monthly column, where I offer an insider/outsider’s view of how governments work. After years in the public service trenches and advising the private and charity sectors in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, I’ve seen how policies play out when they hit the real world. The mounting cost of regulatory...
View articleBetter by Rejection
8/11/2024
From my usual seat at the far end of the table in the Minister’s office, I watch another tense briefing unfold about Māori unemployment statistics. Being a Private Secretary means I see these moments play out daily, but this one feels different. “Show me what’s really happening,” the Minister demands, drumming fingers on the latest...
View articleDoctor Doctor, It’s Not That Kind of Truth
1/11/2024
“This is censorship,” the Principal Advisor declares, waving his draft journal article. “I have two PhDs and twenty years of expertise. The public needs to hear my critique of the government’s trade policy. What happened to free speech in this country?” The Chief Executive suppresses a sigh. The Principal Advisor works for me. This is...
View articleOpinion: He Poneketanga: Social Investment
25/10/2024
The difference between policy dreams and real-world change lies in one crucial factor: implementation. Success or failure ultimately rests with the people who transform ideas into action. I’m excited to announce He Pōneketanga, my new monthly column offering unique insights into the intricate dynamics between elected officials and civil servants. Drawing from my experience working...
View article