Otago University supports academic’s critic and conscience role

The University of Otago welcomes the Chief Ombudsman’s ruling calling for Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello to apologise to Professor Janet Hoek for withholding information.

In a decision released yesterday, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says Costello’s actions in withholding the information were unreasonable and contrary to law, recommending she apologise to Professor Hoek and Radio New Zealand (RNZ), which had also sought information.

Professor Janet Hoek

Co-head of the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington, and co-director of the University’s ASPIRE Aotearoa Centre, a collaboration linking New Zealand’s leading tobacco researchers, Professor Hoek and her colleagues have tirelessly undertaken research to inform policy that would reduce the appeal, availability and accessibility of tobacco products.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences, Associate Professor Megan Gibbons (Ngāpuhi) says the University stands firmly in support of Professor Hoek, who has exemplified her role as a Critic and Conscience of Society.

“Professor Hoek’s pursuit of information through the Official Information Act is crucial for fostering transparency and accountability in governance, principles that underpin our democratic society,” Professor Gibbons says.

“At the University of Otago, we have a proud tradition of holding governments accountable and fulfilling the vital role of Critic and Conscience of Society. ASPIRE Aotearoa has made significant contributions to public discourse and policy scrutiny,” she says.

“For more than 20 years, ASPIRE researchers have steadfastly gathered the best possible evidence about tobacco products, and then used their findings to inform understanding of a major public health problem.

“We urge the Government to uphold its commitment to transparency, as our academic staff cannot fulfil their responsibilities without access to essential information. It is crucial for the continued integrity of our democratic processes and the advancement of public welfare that such information is readily accessible.”

Independently of each other, both Professor Hoek, on behalf of ASPIRE Aotearoa, and RNZ requested information about the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022 from the minister’s office under the Official Information Act. Their requests were declined.

Following an appeal by both Professor Hoek and RNZ, the Chief Ombudsman recommended the Associate Minister undertake a fresh search for information, which resulted in the release of several documents.  He also required her to apologise to the pair for her handling of the OIA requests.