Hoskin is married to Brett Hoskin, who is managing director of Clemenger Wellington, also known as Clemenger UnLtd.
The whistleblower’s letter, obtained by the Herald, raised concerns about the number of contracts awarded to Clemenger, given the firm’s alleged links to Lesley Hoskin, and the potential conflict of interest this created.
The letter said ministerial oversight was needed to ensure accountability and safeguard public funds.
The Herald sought comment about the claims in the letter from Lesley and Brett Hoskin, but neither responded.
A spokesman for Clemenger sent a statement on November 14 thanking the Herald for its inquiry but saying: “We will not be providing a comment in relation to this story.”
However, another statement was provided on Thursday, hours after the Herald published a story detailing the whistleblower’s claims.
The statement was sent from the director of PR firm GRC+PN on behalf of Clemenger UnLtd co-director Dan Shaw.
Shaw said he was “very confident” proper procedures were followed with respect to successful bidding for creative and advertising contracts with the Teaching Council.
“At all times Clemenger UnLtd adhere strictly to government procurement rules, including management of any identified conflicts of interest and transparent participation in government tender processes.
“We are proud of the creative and advertising work we have done for a number of government agencies over many years and have always followed procurement rules and expectations.”
The Herald asked Shaw how many Teaching Council contracts Clemenger had been awarded, over what period and how much the firm had earned from work linked to the council.
Shaw declined to comment further.
Three separate investigations under way
The whistleblower’s letter claimed the Clemenger contracts were worth between $400,000 and $800,000, covering an advertising campaign, a television commercial, internal consultancy work and other council projects.
“Prior attempts to raise these matters internally – through discussions with team leaders and senior management – have not yielded any meaningful resolution.”
The Herald has confirmed the investigation into Lesley Hoskin’s conduct began after the PSC launched a separate probe into procurement and conflict of interest allegations sparked by the whistleblower’s protected disclosure.
The letter to Stanford said the use of taxpayer funds placed a higher level of scrutiny.
“Unfortunately, what we have observed over the last 12-18 months raises significant concerns about governance, ethical standards and staff welfare at the council,” the letter said.
“There appears to be a pattern of procurement decisions that create, at the very least, a perception of conflicts of interest.
“Even if the work was deemed necessary, directing such substantial funds to a business so closely linked to the chief executive raises questions of ethical governance,” the letter claimed.
Education Minister Erica Stanford received a protected disclosure complaint and forwarded it for investigation to the Public Service Commission. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The PSC said its investigation was ongoing. It would not comment on the independent conduct investigation into Lesley Hoskin, saying employment issues were a matter for the Teaching Council.
Council chairman David Ferguson said the agency’s CEO was on leave and day-to-day operations were continuing under acting CEO Tom Gott.
“We are unable to comment on employment matters.
“The board is awaiting the results of the investigations that are currently under way.”
Teaching Council chairman David Ferguson says the board is awaiting the results of investigations.
A spokesman for Stanford said the whistleblower’s letter was passed on to the PSC, “who is an appropriate authority to address these matters”.
“As per the normal no-surprises basis, the minister is aware of three separate investigations.”
These include the PSC probe, the investigation into Lesley Hoskin’s conduct, and an independent strategic review into the council’s operational performance led by expert consultant Debbie Francis.
The Teaching Council is a professional body with oversight for vetting and registering teachers, and ensuring they are competent and fit to practise.
Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the NZ Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.
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