An independent investigation will be mounted to determine the source of a leaked Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs briefing, Ministry Chief Executive Dr Colin Tukuitonga said.
"All government agencies brief their ministers in accordance with the public service tradition of providing free and frank advice," Dr Tukuitonga said.
"In March this year we briefed the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Georgina te Heuheu, in relation to Budget 2010. That briefing was the subject of a news story on Radio New Zealand on June 17.”
“I will be appointing an independent investigator to conduct an inquiry into how the briefing was obtained by Radio New Zealand.
"I need to assure myself, and our Minister, that our staff have acted appropriately and in accordance with the State Services Standards of Integrity and Conduct.”
“Terms of reference are being drafted, and will be made public. I will not make any further comment until the inquiry is completed.”
