Political consultation on appointments

Introduction

There are requirements for ministerial consultation at various stages of the appointment process. Officials must be familiar with the requirements and ensure they are complied with. Failure to do so can cause delay in the appointment process. Such consultation is an important part of the appointment process and plenty of time must be allowed for it.

The Cabinet Office advises Ministers of vacancies that will arise in the year ahead. Ministers who would like to find out more about a board or an impending vacancy, or would like to make a nomination, should contact the office of the responsible Minister. The deadline for submitting nominations is in general 2 - 3 months before the date the vacancy arises. The relevant Minister's office will be able to advise exactly when nominations are due.

Consultation with the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister must be consulted on major appointments before they are submitted to the Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee.

Consultation with Ministerial and parliamentary colleagues

Ministers may also wish to solicit nominations from ministerial and parliamentary colleagues. Officials should discuss this with the portfolio Minister's office. As indicated in the section on balanced representation, nominations can be sought from the Ministers of Maori Affairs, Pacific Island Affairs and Women's Affairs and Consumer Affairs.

Consultation with government caucuses, coalition partners and other parliamentary parties

Information about consultation with government caucuses, support parties and other parliamentary parties is being updated to reflect the change of government.  This updated information will be provided in due course.