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Public Service Act 2020

Preliminary provisions - Public service values, minimum standards of integrity and conduct, and New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 - Public service values and minimum standards of integrity and conduct

18: Agencies must comply with minimum standards unless exception granted

You could also call this:

"Agencies must follow government rules unless they get special permission"

You must follow the minimum standards set by the government, which are explained in section 17. These standards apply to agencies, individuals, and groups. You have to comply with these standards unless you are granted an exception.

If you are an agency, you might be able to get an exception from following a particular standard. The Commissioner or the appropriate Minister can grant you this exception.

You will know if you have been granted an exception because it must be in writing. Having an exception does not stop you from setting your own additional standards, as long as they are consistent with the government's standards.

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Part 1Preliminary provisions
Public service values, minimum standards of integrity and conduct, and New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990: Public service values and minimum standards of integrity and conduct

18Agencies must comply with minimum standards unless exception granted

  1. Agencies, individuals, and groups must comply with the minimum standards set under section 17 that apply to them.

  2. However, an agency covered by section 17(2)(b) to (d) may be granted an exception from complying with a particular standard by—

  3. the Commissioner; or
    1. the appropriate Minister, however, the exception does not operate until a copy of it has been given to the Commissioner.

      1. An exception must be in writing.

      2. This section does not prevent an agency, an individual, or a group from applying to themselves additional or detailed standards that are consistent with the standards set by the Commissioner.

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