Te Noho Taiapa
Political Neutrality
Hi, I’m Ed and I’m a public servant.
I had worked in the public sector for a while before I came across a situation that made me really think about my political neutrality.
Of course, I’d read our agency policy when I joined, and I’d filled in a conflict-of-interest form too. But it all made so much more sense when I was in a real situation.
Some friends of mine had seen something on the news about my agency and they wanted to know what was going on. I was pretty sure that I wasn’t allowed to talk about it, but no-one at work had said it was secret, so I wasn’t sure. I decided to chat to my manager.
I’m glad I did check! It turns out that information you learn in the course of your work, and is not in the public domain, should not be shared.
This shows how easy it can be to find yourself in situations where you need to know what your responsibilities are.
Video
Making politically neutral decisions
This 3-minute video outlines the key factors to consider, if you want to engage in political activity and how those key factors relate to your work.
Video transcript: Making Politically Neutral Decisions transcript [PDF, 64 KB].
E-Learning
Staying Politically Neutral
Work through these three short scenarios that public servants may encounter. As each situation unfolds, think about the choices available, how they might be perceived, and when to seek advice to help maintain political neutrality.
Accessible versions of this information are also available:
Staying Politically Neutral: Social Media [PDF, 145KB]
Staying Politically Neutral: Taking Up Work with a Political Party [PDF, 145KB]
Staying Politically Neutral: Protecting Information [PDF, 145KB]
E-Learning
Your political neutrality decision-making assistant
This elearning guide helps you to quickly locate answers to specific political neutrality questions.
An accessible version is also available: Political Neutrality: Your decision-making assistant [PDF, 275KB].
Conversation Guide
Political Neutrality Conversation Guide
This conversation guide helps you to understand political neutrality. In particular, how this principle relates to your work and fits with your organisation’s integrity guidance.
Masterclass
In 2024, we held a masterclass on political neutrality for senior public sector leaders. They talked about what it means and how it affects daily work. The video clips include share ideas and reflections from guest speakers Andrew and Rachel. At the time of the masterclass Andrew Kibblewhite was Secretary for Justice and Rachel Hayward the Secretary of the Cabinet.
You could use these resources to reflect on your own or to start team conversations.
The Code of Conduct for the Public Sector
Published by the Public Service Commission.