9. JEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Research, Science and Technology
What advice has he received on the potential conflict of interest of industry representative DairyNZ being contracted to produce the Government’s Water Research Strategy?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP (Minister of Research, Science and Technology) Link to this
I have received advice from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology relating to the draft Water Research Strategy. The strategy is to assist the foundation in its investment in water research. As the member has already been advised, the foundation contracted with DairyNZ to secure the services of Dr David Johns to act as a facilitator during the preparation of the draft Water Research Strategy. Prior to taking up his position with DairyNZ, Dr Johns had been employed by the foundation for 5 years as its general manager of investment strategy. The conflict of interest potential has been carefully managed through consultation with major stakeholders before Dr Johns was engaged, and through working the whole process through a governance steering committee to which Dr Johns reports.
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
Now that the Minister has confirmed that actions to manage the conflict of interest arising from the uncontested contract worth up to $100,000 being given to DairyNZ include consulting stakeholders to ensure there are no objections, which environmental and recreational non-governmental organisations were consulted about the suitability of DairyNZ preparing the Government’s Water Research Strategy?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
I am advised that the advisory group that drew up the draft strategy had 10 members, including three eminent water scientists and representatives from other stakeholders, including Government departments, regional councils, and users. The draft water research strategy has been open for public consultation, and is currently being finalised for submission to the foundation’s board. I also note that it is the Ministry for the Environment, not Dr Johns or DairyNZ, that has provided administrative support for the development of the strategy.
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
Can the Minister confirm that DairyNZ included no environmental or recreational non-governmental organisations in its email of 27 April requesting comment on the 10-year strategy?
Hon Dr WAYNE MAPP Link to this
I am not able to confirm that point, but I do notice that the advisory group, as I have already informed the member, was quite broadly representative. In any event, the strategy is open now for public consultation. It is actually to support a research application that has been finalised for submission to the board of the foundation.
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
I seek leave of the House to table three documents. The first one is an email dated 27 April this year from DairyNZ to about a hundred stakeholders that invites input, but excludes any environmental or recreational non-governmental organisations.
Mr SPEAKERJeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
The second one is a file note from the foundation exploring the conflict of interest issues, and indicating that consultation ought to take place.
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
The third one is the contract for services, which is between the foundation and DairyNZ. It lists a bunch of stakeholders who are to be consulted, but, again, the list does not include any environmental non-governmental organisations.