Contents
- Title page
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Prior to a general election
- 3 Following a general election
- 4 Where to get more information
- Appendix 1: Standards of Integrity and Conduct
- Appendix 2: Advertising and Communications - Examples
- Appendix 3: Guidelines for Costing Party Political Policies
- Appendix 4: Ombudsmen Report on Official Information Act Releases during an Election Period
- Appendix 5: Guidance on the preparation of briefings for incoming Ministers
- Copyright/terms of use
4 Where to get more information
State servants who are unclear about how to deal with particular obligations of agencies during an election period should first approach their senior management.
Central agencies can also provide assistance:
-
State Services Commission – regarding the obligations of agencies and their employees, and providing information to support negotiations to form a government. Email: election@ssc.govt.nz.
-
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet – regarding the operation of government, constitutional matters, including caretaker convention issues, briefings for incoming Ministers, and the provisions of the Cabinet Manual.
-
The Treasury – regarding the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update and costing of party political policies.
4.1 Publications
Standards of Integrity and Conduct for the State Services (code of conduct)
The code of conduct, issued by the State Services Commissioner, has been applied to all Public Service departments, to statutory Crown entities (including District Health Boards), to Crown Entity companies (excluding Crown Research Institutes), and to a number of subsidiary companies of Crown entities. The code of conduct is attached as Appendix 1.
Political Neutrality Guidance
The State Services Commissioner has set out some general principles on political neutrality, which should guide the actions and decisions of State servants and employers in this area. See www.ssc.govt.nz/political-neutrality-guidance.
Officials and Select Committees
Officials and Select Committees - Guidelines explain the relationship between State servants (which for this purpose includes the board members of Crown entities) and select committees. They include guidance on State servants who act as witnesses or advisers; the obligation to provide free and frank answers to select committees; protection available to State servants who appear before select committees; and the rights and constraints of State servants who wish to appear in a personal capacity. See www.ssc.govt.nz/officials-and-select-committees-2007
Cabinet Manual
This is the key guide to central government decision making. It is a primary source of information on constitutional and procedural matters, and includes material on elections and government formation. See www.cabinetmanual.cabinetoffice.govt.nz/
CabGuide
This replaces the Step by Step Guide as guidance for officials on Cabinet and Cabinet committee processes. It helps departments and Ministers' offices meet Cabinet's requirements for developing and presenting proposals to Cabinet: see www.cabguide.cabinetoffice.govt.nz
Cabinet Office Circulars
The Cabinet Office issues circulars from time to time throughout an election period, providing guidance on various procedural and constitutional issues. See www.dpmc.govt.nz/cabinet/circulars/index.html
The Standing Orders of the House of Representatives
These are the rules used by the House of Representatives to govern its own procedures. They also contain guidance on topics such as post-election procedures and the notification of party details.