Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has paid tribute to Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes

Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes has announced his retirement today.

“Peter has made an outstanding and lifelong contribution to the public service in New Zealand" Mr Boshier reflected.

“Throughout his career, Peter has been committed to upholding the principles of the public service and operating with the utmost integrity and independence.

“New Zealand has benefited from his straight up and professional approach. Peter has always led by example, and has made no apologies for seeking continuous improvement in all areas of the public service.

“He has garnered widespread respect and admiration both domestically and internationally, and has made a significant contribution to upholding and enhancing democracy in New Zealand. Although we have very independent roles, we have always been able to come together to discuss important issues.

"Early on in my term as Ombudsman, Peter and I collaborated on a very important initiative aimed at improving the way state sector agencies responded to Official Information Act requests.

“The result has been a more transparent reporting regime where details of how well agencies are complying with the OIA across the state sector are now readily available to the public.

“Peter has been a tremendous colleague. I will always be grateful for his advice and his support for the work of my office. I wish him a fulfilling and happy retirement.”