On Wednesday, 5 October 2016 Wendy McGuinness spoke at the University of Auckland's politics hour. The theme of the discussion was regarding the ethical dilemmas faced by policy advisors. Speakers were encouraged to share their experience or advice with students regarding how to be an 'ethical' policy adviser. The ultimate aim of this session was to inspire students, but to also highlight the challenges that lie ahead, and allow students an insight into how political practitioners can achieve change but sometimes have to compromise.

1. Public Policy
Policy for the Public Good
University of Auckland
Wendy McGuinness, 5 October 2016

2. Future Studies

3. What is talent? Ethical Behavior

4. The role of a policy analyst
DATA
INFOMATION
KNOWLEDGE

6. Danger signals that may lead to unethical
policy-making
1. Short-termism (e.g. 3 year elections)
2. Echo chambers (versus broad dialogue)
3. Myths (versus rigorous testing of assumptions)
4. Writing short (versus detailed and considered logic)
5. Designed policy (versus a written methodology and agreed
limitations)
6. Policy knots (where the outputs and outcomes are less clear)
7. Self interest or unaligned interests
8. Poor collection and use of data, analysis and distribution
9. Unethical social research
10. Ministers become the sole gate keepers (lobbying)
11. Lack of a review clause (in law and in RMA decisions)

7. ‘Never underestimate the capacity of those
younger than you to surprise you with their
talent. Learn from them, and always revel in the
opportunity to combine talents to build a team.’
‘See the opportunities in new directions. If you
do not change direction, you may end up
where you are heading.’
–
SIR
PAUL
CALLAGHAN

8. Wendy McGuinness
McGuinness Institute
Level 2, 5 Cable Street,
PO Box 24222,
Wellington 6142,
New Zealand
Thank you