This is edition 2025/42 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Welcome back. It's 2025 and 20 years since I started writing about politics and anything else that took my fancy. Thank to my VIP members for making this site what it is today. In July we will be having a 20th birthday celebration. Stay tuned for more announcements.
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Enjoy!
1. Public Service integrity under Brian Roche
Bryce Edwards
- 🕵️♂️ Brian Roche's appointment as Public Service Commissioner received widespread political endorsement, highlighting his extensive experience in both private and public sectors.
- 🏢 Roche's retained directorships in various companies, including property development and forestry management, raise significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
- 🤔 The perception problem: Can Roche effectively oversee impartiality in the public service while maintaining ties to industries influenced by government policies?
- 🏠 Of particular concern is Roche's role at Hugh Green Group, a major property developer, potentially compromising public trust in matters of housing and urban development.
- 🌲 His involvement with Wao Marino Ltd, linked to foreign forestry investments, further complicates his role in policies related to forestry and land use.
- 💼 Despite assurances, Roche's statements about managing conflicts of interest do not adequately address the optics or ethical implications of his dual roles.
- 🏛️ Minister Judith Collins' response suggests satisfaction with current protocols but lacks clarity on active management of conflicts.
- 📅 Timing of disclosures and their visibility indicate transparency issues within the Public Service Commission, raising concerns about accountability.
- 🛡️ The broader impact: Roche's appointment challenges the integrity standards traditionally upheld in New Zealand's public service.
- 🚨 Conclusion: Roche's tenure poses an early test for governance integrity in New Zealand, emphasizing the need for rigorous standards and public scrutiny.
