THURSDAY, 06 JUNE 2024
The Taxpayers’ Union has written to the Privacy Commissioner this morning calling on him to launch an investigation into
alleged misuse of census data by Auckland’s Manurewa Marae, entities associated with John Tamihere, and Te Pāti Māori.
Taxpayers’ Union Spokeperson, Jordan Williams, said:
“The allegations made this morning on a Newstalk ZB interview with Allan Hulse, an employment representative for workers
at the Marae and MSD, suggest that various agencies were told of the allegations but failed to act prior to the matters
becoming public on Sunday.”
“When part of the allegations are that Government agencies failed to act despite being tipped off by whistleblowers, it
is not appropriate for the agencies to be managing the investigations.
“Earlier this week, Stats NZ announced that it has commissioned an external investigator to look into whether Census
data has been misused. It is not clear whether the scope of that includes the allegations made by Allan Hulse, but in
any case, without the ability to compel witnesses, or require third parties to provide information, it will be hopeless.
“If the allegations are true, and census data ended up in the Te Party Māori’s political databases, are they really
going to hand over that information without being legally required to do so? Stats NZ are either kidding themselves or
want a report that states ‘nothing to see here’.
“That’s why it is most appropriate for the Privacy Commissioner to lead this. He has the power to summons witnesses,
examine under oath, and require the production of information and documents.
“The integrity and protection of census data is among the most important to be protected in a democratic society. Public
confidence should be guarded at all costs. We can’t think of a more appropriate circumstance for the Privacy
Commissioner to use all the powers at his disposal to get to the bottom of what has happened and provide public
confidence in the handling of the allegations.”