“It is this real te ao Pākehā lens of what being Māori is. It is in these ways that I believe the system is deeply, systemically racist. That it is asking, ‘well, how Māori are you?’” — Keisha Castle-Hughes, evidence to the Waitangi Tribunal (He Tangata, he Whenua, para 3.3.2) “It was devastating that my…
When AI Goes Wrong: A Lesson from Deloitte Earlier this year, Deloitte was forced to partially refund the Australian Government after delivering a $440,000 report that relied heavily on generative AI (see Deloitte to refund government, admits using AI in $440k report, Financial Review Oct 5, 2025 – 7.41pm). The report contained errors, fabricated citations,…
If you’ve searched for “The Policy Place” and landed somewhere unexpected, you’re not alone. We’ve recently discovered that a large HR company is paying to appear first in search results when people look for us. So let’s set the record straight — here’s who we are, what we offer, and why our work matters. 🌿…
When times are tough, it’s tempting for SMEs, trusts, volunteer boards, and operational managers to draft their own governance policies — using online templates or free AI tools. But when it comes to audit‑ready, defensible policies, shortcuts can cost more than they save. At The Policy Place, we bridge the gap between good intentions and…
Many community groups, charities, and small businesses provide services that support people with health needs or disabilities—without necessarily thinking of themselves as “health or disability service providers.” But under New Zealand law, it’s the nature of the service that counts, not whether you’re government-funded or operating in a clinical setting. This means your organisation might…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are changing the way we work — and policy writing is no exception. These tools can help you get started quickly, giving you draft content in seconds instead of days. But when it comes to policies and procedures for your business or organisation, speed alone isn’t enough.…
If you’re a Sensitive Claims Supplier, your Annual Declaration to ACC is due by 1 August 2025. This is an annual requirement under the Sensitive Claims contract, and it confirms that you continue to meet your contractual obligations as a Sensitive Claims Supplier. It’s more than a simple form-this self-assessment requires you to verify that…
In health, disability, housing, and social services, the focus is often on getting people started — assessments, goals, engagement. But how services end is just as important. A well-planned exit or transition policy ensures that people leave services with clarity, dignity, and support. It also helps kaimahi/staff manage both expected and unexpected endings safely and…
Informed consent is more than a form or a signature — it’s the foundation of safe, ethical, and respectful service delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you’re providing counselling, housing support, disability services, or healthcare, your organisation must ensure every person understands and agrees to what they’re signing up for. But getting informed consent right…
In today’s fast-paced environment, staying effective means keeping every aspect of your operations up to date – especially your policies. Outdated policies can lead to more than inefficiencies; they can result in significant financial, reputational, and operational risks. This is particularly important for any business and agency when resources are limited, and trust is paramount.…