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New Zealand’s arrangements for dealing with national security issues have evolved from what was for a long time known as the Domestic and External Security Coordination (DESC) system, and is now more generally referred to as the “National Security System...

For any national security risk (or major element of such a risk), a lead agency is identified. The lead agency is the agency with the primary mandate for managing a particular hazard or risk across the “4Rs” of risk reduction, readiness, response and...

The National Security System is activated if the impact of a situation of national security is sufficiently complex, significant or imminent that the attention of the broader system is deemed necessary to tackle it. The system is activated by DPMC on...

Introduction 1Following the general election on 17 October 2020, the Leader of the Labour Party has announced that she is able to lead a government that has the support of a majority of the House. 2In accordance with the convention on caretaker...

To be a Companion of the said Order: BAXTER, Mr Paul Richard For services to the New Zealand Fire Service Mr Paul Baxter was Chief Executive and National Commander of the New Zealand Fire Service from 2012 until stepping down in March 2017. Mr Baxter...

What is Cabinet? Cabinet is the central decision-making body of executive government. It provides a collective forum for Ministers to decide significant government issues. The following matters must be submitted to Cabinet (through the...

The ODESC governance boards are supported by a number of multi-agency Working Groups and committees. Committees are typically longstanding while working groups are usually formed as required to concentrate on a specific issue. Membership of committees...

“ODESC” is the overall phrase used to describe the formal structure of senior officials which manages national security in New Zealand in both its governance and its response modes. ODESC is also the name for the committee of Chief Executives which,...

Introduction 1This circular provides practical guidance for Ministers[1] and departments on implementing the cooperation agreement between the Labour Party and the Green Party entered into when the government was formed following the 2020 general...

Welcome to the Policy Methods Toolbox The Policy Methods Toolbox is a repository of policy development methods that helps policy practitioners identify and select the right approach for their policy initiative. This first release of the...

Quality commissioning is the starting point for producing quality policy advice. Many different things can initiate the need to produce policy advice. Ministers regularly ask for it. External events can precipitate the need for it. Our...

Good quality engagement by government can solve complex problems, can lead to better solutions and build enduring relationships with individuals and groups in the community. Good engagement practice and ensuring a focus on engagement...

Behavioural insights involves the study of human behaviour, often drawing on empirical research in fields including economics, psychology and sociology. Email Dr Marcos Pelenur at Marcos.Pelenur@eeca.govt.nz to be included in 'community of practice...

Quality commissioning is the starting point for producing quality policy advice.

Communicating advice effectively to a decision-maker relies on the art of good story telling. External Resources New Zealand Institute of Economic Research's central government masterclasses External Conversation trackers and presentations Nikita...

Good quality engagement by government can solve complex problems, can lead to better solutions and build enduring relationships with individuals and groups in the community. External Engagement Resources Guidelines for engagement with Māori Department...

Design thinking is also known as human-centred design, co-design and participatory decision. External Policy Community Resources Service Design Community of practice - Email Ben Briggs at ben.briggs@acc.co.nz to be included in emails and...

The Policy Project has a number of frameworks, tools and resources to support you or your team in developing their policy skills.

As part of our commitment to accountability and transparency, agencies must include information in the Estimates and Annual Reports on the quality of their policy advice, and the satisfaction of their minister with the policy support provided by the...

Good policy advice is underpinned by good evidence. Good evaluation of policy decisions is important because it helps inform future decision-making – and contributes to continuous improvement. External resources Chief Science Advisor Forum Nesta's...

Free and frank advice underpins our system of government. External resources Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission's guidance on Free and Frank Advice and Policy Stewardship and Frequently Asked Questions External conversations, speeches and...

Futures thinking is also known as foresight, strategic foresight and futures studies. External resources The Futures Toolkit Strategic Foresight External Policy community resources Strategic Futures Group - Email Cathy.Swanson@ird.govt.nz to be...

Public problems are increasingly complex and connected, which requires policy practitioners to tap into creative answers. Additional Overview Resources OECD Declaration on Public Sector Innovation International Resources Observatory of Public Sector...

We’ve brought together examples of how agencies and policy practitioners are using the Policy Project frameworks and tools in their policy practice. We’ll add to these case studies over time. They provide useful insights into how the...

Great policy managers build high performing policy teams that deliver great policy advice. That means ensuring the policy team knows what it’s trying to achieve, has a culture of constructive challenge, innovation and continuous improvement....

The Queen’s Service Medal: ADSHEAD, Mrs Gillian Mary (Gill), JP For services to conservation Mrs Gill Adshead and her husband Kevin Adshead began the Mataia Restoration Project in 2005, undertaking pest control on Mrs Adshead’s family farm of 1,300...

To be a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit: GERRARD, Professor Juliet Ann For services to science Professor Juliet Gerrard is a biochemist at the University of Auckland and was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor,...

To be a Member of the Order of New Zealand: DURIE, Professor Emeritus Sir Mason Harold, KNZM For services to New Zealand Sir Mason Durie, over more than 40 years, has been at the forefront of a transformational approach to Māori health and has played...

The New Zealand Distinguished Service Medal: Servicewoman D For services to the New Zealand Defence Force Servicewoman D was deployed in the Middle East in 2018 and undertook special duties in 2019. She led significant developments that enhanced...

The New Zealand Antarctic Medal: FITZGERALD, Mr Eugene Brian (Brian) For services to Antarctic exploration and heritage Mr Brian Fitzgerald was the first New Zealander to survey Antarctica as the only official surveyor on the New Zealand Official...

To be a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit: CHAMBERS, Professor Stephen Thomas For services to infectious disease research Professor Stephen Chambers established the Infectious Diseases Department at Christchurch Hospital in 1987, the first...

To be a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order: FANNING, Mr Francis Anthony For services to the community Mr Francis Fanning has undertaken voluntary community service for 45 years through a range of organisations, including in leadership and...

To be a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit: CARTER, The Right Honourable David Cunningham For services as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Representatives The Right Honourable David Carter was Speaker of the House...

To be a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit: ABERAHAMA, Inspector Tamuera Aitama (Sam) For services to the New Zealand Police and the community Inspector Sam Aberahama has worked for the New Zealand Police since 1988 in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and...

To be an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: AITKEN, Mr Denis William, JP For services to the dairy industry and the community Mr Denis Aitken has had a long-term involvement with the Holstein Friesian breed of dairy cattle in New Zealand. Mr...