Guy Nathan: State Sector Management Bill — First Reading 
Guy Nathan: State Sector Management Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:666;Page:13702] 
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs) 
: 
 As the Minister responsible for the three departments concerned—the Department of Internal Affairs the National Library and Archives New Zealand—I am very pleased to be able to take a call on this very important bill. I have worked hard in this process I believe over the last 12 months. These three agencies share very natural synergies. They all have a common focus on using digital technology and making public information more widely accessible to citizens of New Zealand. 
The principle behind the integration is simple. It will allow expertise and resources to be combined while at the same time sharing back-office costs. Any savings will be redirected into better front-line services for the public and the strengths and qualities of these three combined departments will serve the public well I believe. 
Since becoming the Minister responsible for these three departments I have spent a lot of time talking to and listening to stakeholders. I have had regular meetings with the Archives Council the guardian or kaitiaki of the Turnbull Library and the Library and Information Advisory Commission. I have also met with Friends of the Turnbull Library the National Library Society and the New Zealand Public Service Association (PSA) amongst others. Key stakeholders were also given the opportunity to make a comment on the draft bill before it was finalised. I have listened very very carefully through this process and I am pleased that the legislation addresses a lot of concerns that have been raised by these various groups. The Government has always made it clear through this process that this is not about changing the major roles or functions of the departments concerned and the legislation confirms this. 
In particular the independence and integrity of the Chief Archivist is safeguarded. This position will be responsible to the chief executive of the new integrated department and will be protected from any improper influence in performing his or her independent statutory functions. It is important to maintain the principle of an independent check on Government record-keeping. There are plenty of examples from around the world where the Chief Archivist works in a variety of different models with his or her independence preserved. Over the Tasman in Australia for example the Chief Archivist sits within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio. In the United Kingdom the Chief Archivist sits within the Ministry of Justice. In Ireland the Chief Archivist sits within the Department of Tourism Culture and Sport. [ 
Interruption 
] I think it is important for Mrs Chadwick to understand Crown Law opinion on this bill because that opinion has been sought and I do not think she has had the chance to hear about it. So I will tell her. I quote: “The opinion confirms that the nature of the services provided by Archives New Zealand and the National Library will remain the same.” That is the opinion of Crown Law. 
What I want to tell Mrs Chadwick this afternoon is what the PSA said. National secretary Brenda Pilott said that the PSA is happy with the bill because it retains the statutory roles of the National Librarian the Chief Librarian and the Chief Archivist. Mrs Pilott went on to say that the PSA appreciated being consulted by the Minister Nathan Guy and that matters raised by its members have been picked up in the bill. I am not sure whether Mrs Chadwick was aware that the PSA came out in support of this bill. I am sure that she is indeed now aware of that. I am sure that Mrs Chadwick is now aware of the Crown Law opinion and that will I am sure give her some reassurance. 
I say in conclusion that it is important to note that this bill amends the National Library of New Zealand (Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa) Act 2003 and the Public Records Act 2005 to reflect the change in legal status of these agencies. It represents the next chapter in what is a very exciting future for all three agencies. It builds on other work by the Government to modernise the way we store and preserve information and keep up with the latest technology. I am very proud as the Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand and the Minister responsible for the National Library to have secured in this year’s Budget $12.6 million of new money over the next 4 years to create a Government digital archive. That shows the commitment of this Government to ensure that we preserve and look after vital information for future generations of this country. 
This Government has also invested $52 million in the National Library and we can see that happening right now across the road. I was also given a wonderful opportunity to open the new library in Auckland. There has been a million dollars of investment in that area. So this Government is making a huge commitment to these iconic institutions that will be here for future generations to enjoy. 
The Department of Internal Affairs I know is a very strong and professionally functioning department. Archives New Zealand and the National Library will soon have access to a greater range of resources and expertise than they have ever had before. I encourage everyone to please try to embrace the opportunities and maximise the benefits. I look forward to hearing more during the select committee’s deliberations.