Thinking ahead before you send a gift for New Zealand’s baby Neve ♥

Have you ever considered what protocol governs the ability of New Zealand’s Members of Parliament (MPs) to accept gifts?

Well me neither, but protocol exists nevertheless.

MP are very much in the public eye and often become the recipients of well-intentioned gifts during the course of their work as a public servant. By the same token they need to be seen to be behaving in the best interests of the public when accepting those gifts. Generally, the gifts would be given in a spirit of hospitality and generosity – but sometimes those gifts can be given with the intention of manipulating the MP, or even bribing them. Therefore, a protocol for receiving gifts by MPs exists and it is contained in the New Zealand Government’s ‘Cabinet Guide’ document.

First and foremost, MPs have to tell the ‘Registrar of Pecuniary Interests of Members of Parliament’ (or, as I like to call them, the RPIMP) about any gift (monetary or otherwise) that they receive that has a value over a certain amount (currently $500). If the MP has accepted a gift over this amount they are also obligated to relinquish the gift unless they have permission from the boss – A.K.A the Prime Minister. Fortunately, gifts received from close family members don’t have to be disclosed or relinquished.

MPs are forbidden to solicit or accept gifts from commercial enterprises or any other organization. An exception to this rule might be accepting a small token during a visit to a Marae, or a factory. If a minister does accept a gift over the prescribed amount and wishes to keep it they have the option of paying full value for the item, or they must give it up. In these circumstances, the gift still has to be disclosed to the RPIMP.

MPs are sometimes offered cultural gifts (sometimes in the form of money) such as Koha (a Maori gift or payment) or Quanxi (a Chinese gift that recognizes a relationship network) among others. These types of gifts often reflect ideas and concepts such as service to others, hospitality and responsibility and are generally offered with the intention of honouring the recipient. MPs are told that accepting them however could create a perception of a conflict of interest or ‘double-dipping’. Protocol states that gifts of cash must be returned immediately with a respectful statement explaining that that they honour the intent behind the gift but that it is their job to serve and they are already well remunerated for the work they do. The document goes on to explain that MPs accepting cultural gifts such as “fine mats or food” is unlikely to cause the same sort of unfavourable perception.

Ministers are allowed to accept political party donations of any value but it has to be made clear that the minister is receiving the payment on behalf of the party and they must pass it on as soon as possible.

So, if you’re planning on sending Cindy babes a gift for her and her already-famous-before-she-was-born daughter, Neve – you might want to find a sneakier way!

Tip – Consult the ‘Cabinet Guide’ before you unwittingly make a political faux pas…. oops!

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