Full Breakdown
Leaked Video Shows Ministry of Education Official Advising Staff to Avoid Written Records
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Law emphasized that such exchanges are “OIA-able” and instructed staff to respond with brief, informal feedback rather than formal written notes. The guidance was presented as part of the preparatory work for the Phase 5 Year 11-13 curriculum, with 74 subject drafts slated for release in Term 4.
Background & Context
The Ministry of Education is developing a “knowledge-rich curriculum” that began last year, and Law was seconded from her high-school principal role to lead the senior curriculum update. Under New Zealand’s Official Information Act (OIA), any recorded information held by public officials can be requested by the public. Former Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has warned that pressure on officials to keep matters off the written record to avoid OIA scrutiny is “deeply troubling,” highlighting the tension between record-keeping obligations and political considerations.
Official Statements & Responses
Education Minister Erica Stanford reiterated that “the law must be followed” and described the process of senior staff reviewing draft documents for spelling, duplication, and clarity before her final sign-off. The spokesperson also stated, “We are not seeking to draw conclusions from individual comments contained in a transcript of part of an internal meeting provided by a third party.” — spokesperson
Verbatim Quotes
- “So the fact he is happy as he looks at them is a really good thing.” — Education Minister Erica Stanford
- “We are not seeking to draw conclusions from individual comments contained in a transcript of part of an internal meeting provided by a third party.” — spokesperson