DoC memo stirs staff

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 246, 14 June 1988, Page 1

DoC memo stirs staff

Tongariro DoC staff and the department central office are at odds over a departmental memo setting out guidelines for dealing with the media. The staff involved are worried that the instructions, as they interpret them, make it impossible for staff to speak to the media on almost all department activities. The memo identifies a small group of people who are allowed to have contact with the media on departmental matters and Tongaririo staff say this could cover almost anything. Central office says the memo was quite clear in explaining that matters of policy were not to be discussed by anyone less senior than District Conservator, but routine matters can be dealt with by the officers concerned. \ Junior officers making statements on policy outside their area of concern was the reason given for tightening up on the release of information. But many Tongariro staff are so

confused by the memo that they are wary of talking to the media at all. On two occasions last week the Bulletin met with indecision from DoC staff when asking for routine information. Both times the staff approached referred the matter to the District Conservator. Staff say that the District Conservator can not be fully informed on every activity in the area, so the set procedure would cause delays. The District Conservator would have to gather the information after an approach from a reporter, then pass it on. Also, he would not always be available to the press, say staff. A Tongariro officer maintained the memo limits the people who are able to represent the department in communication with the media to senior officers in management positions and specialists who, because of the nature of their job are required to work with the media. Director of Advocacy Alan Edmonds said last Thursday the memo was quite clear in that it referred to policy matters only and routine matters were still able to be dealt with by the officers concerned.

"It's quite extraordinary how things get distorted," said Mr Edmonds. "We want to avoid situations were junior staff are put in a position to comment on policy," he said. Many staff have said they would find it difficult to decide what is a departmental matter and what is routine. Asked why Tongariro staff could be confused by the, memo Mr Edmonds said: "I haven't any clues. The guidelines have been accepted by staff around the country very well, it's just the Tongariro District that have problems." Local staff say there is concern among other DoC staff around the country but they have not contacted head office because Tongariro District people are questioning the issue. "They don't see the need to stick their necks out since we have," said one staff member. Mr Edmonds said his office was sending out a second memo to explain the information policy. One aspect of the issue staff and the department agree on is the importance of continuing the good media relationships enjoyed by the Department of Conservation.