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Politics
Grant Duncan, Associate Professor, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University

NZ has a history of prominent public servants who were also outspoken public intellectuals – what’s changed?

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It’s been a difficult time for senior public servants recently – at least it has been for those willing to express their political views publicly. One has been sacked, another offered his resignation, and yet another has been questioned by a parliamentary select committee.

In an election year perhaps we can expect heightened sensitivities around the principle of public sector neutrality. Especially so, given those in the spotlight are all ministerial appointees to crown entity boards, not career officials.

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