The letter said ministerial oversight was needed to ensure accountability and safeguard public funds.<\/p>\n
The Herald sought comment about the claims in the letter from Lesley and Brett Hoskin, but neither responded. <\/p>\n
A spokesman for Clemenger sent a statement on November 14 thanking the Herald for its inquiry but saying: \u201cWe will not be providing a comment in relation to this story.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, another statement was provided on Thursday, hours after the Herald published a story detailing the whistleblower\u2019s claims.<\/p>\n
The statement was sent from the director of PR firm GRC+PN on behalf of Clemenger UnLtd co-director Dan Shaw. <\/p>\n
Shaw said he was \u201cvery confident\u201d proper procedures were followed with respect to successful bidding for creative and advertising contracts with the Teaching Council.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Shaw declined to comment further. <\/p>\n
Three separate investigations under way<\/p>\n
The whistleblower\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrior attempts to raise these matters internally \u2013 through discussions with team leaders and senior management \u2013 have not yielded any meaningful resolution.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Herald has confirmed the investigation into Lesley Hoskin\u2019s conduct began after the PSC launched a separate probe into procurement and conflict of interest allegations sparked by the whistleblower\u2019s protected disclosure.<\/p>\n
The letter to Stanford said the use of taxpayer funds placed a higher level of scrutiny.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, what we have observed over the last 12-18 months raises significant concerns about governance, ethical standards and staff welfare at the council,\u201d the letter said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere appears to be a pattern of procurement decisions that create, at the very least, a perception of conflicts of interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven 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,\u201d the letter claimed.<\/p>\n
Education Minister Erica Stanford received a protected disclosure complaint and forwarded it for investigation to the Public Service Commission. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Council chairman David Ferguson said the agency\u2019s CEO was on leave and day-to-day operations were continuing under acting CEO Tom Gott.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are unable to comment on employment matters.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe board is awaiting the results of the investigations that are currently under way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Teaching Council chairman David Ferguson says the board is awaiting the results of investigations.<\/p>\n
A spokesman for Stanford said the whistleblower\u2019s letter was passed on to the PSC, \u201cwho is an appropriate authority to address these matters\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs per the normal no-surprises basis, the minister is aware of three separate investigations.\u201d<\/p>\n
These include the PSC probe, the investigation into Lesley Hoskin\u2019s conduct, and an independent strategic review into the council\u2019s operational performance led by expert consultant Debbie Francis.<\/p>\n
The Teaching Council is a professional body with oversight for vetting and registering teachers, and ensuring they are competent and fit to practise.<\/p>\n
Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the NZ Herald with more than 20 years\u2019 experience in the industry.<\/p>\n