Independent assessment of Te Puni Kōkiri recruitment process
In February 2024, the Chief Executive of Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK), Dave Samuels, asked the Public Service Commission to look into TPK’s processes and decision-making relating to the fixed-term appointment of a Senior Advisor – Māori Capability role.
Independent expert Pania Gray, of Kororā Consulting, led the work. She looked into the agency’s recruitment processes, not the applicant or any other individuals.
Ms Gray made no findings on the question of whether the Senior Advisor should have been appointed by TPK, which was not within the scope of her assessment.