Why is the PSA criticising the review?

The PSA argues that the review’s terms of reference explicitly prevent any findings of fault, making it impossible to properly assess responsibility or ensure accountability.

What were the controversial Facebook adverts about?

The Government ran Facebook adverts opposing nationwide strike action in October, which critics argue undermined workers’ lawful right to strike and breached expectations of political neutrality.

What does the Employment Relations Act require?

The Employment Relations Act requires public sector employers to negotiate in good faith. The PSA says running public relations campaigns against striking workers contradicts that obligation.

Who is conducting the review?

The review was commissioned by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission, though its scope excludes examining Ministers or making findings of fault.

Govt anti-strike Facebook ad review barred from finding fault – PSA calls it a waste of public money

ByThe Daily Blog 12 February 202614 February 2026

The Government’s handling of last year’s nationwide strikes continues to raise serious questions about political neutrality and workers’ rights. Now, the Public Service Association (PSA) is condemning an independent review into controversial anti-strike Facebook adverts — arguing it has been deliberately designed to avoid accountability.

Government Review into Anti-Strike Facebook Ads Criticised

The independent review of the Government’s controversial facebook adverts opposing the nationwide strikes last October is a waste of public money with no finding of fault able to be found.

Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission released the terms of reference yesterday, but dated 18 December. It states, ‘The reviewer will not make any findings of fault’ and will not consider the actions of anyone outside the commission or Ministers.

PSA Says Review Is Too Narrow to Ensure Accountability

“The terms of reference are way too narrow and will not help in ensuring lessons are learned,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“Excluding findings of fault is a joke. What is the point if fault cannot be found and learned from?

“We have a costly review that seems more aimed at protecting Ministers and others than learning lessons.

Employment Relations Act and Good Faith Obligations Ignored

“Workers have a right to strike, this should be the fundamental starting point.

“The Employment Relations Act requires the Commission, like all public sector employers, to negotiate and behave in good faith – the review needs to consider how the adverts undermined this clear obligation.

“Running a public relations campaign against workers rather than focusing on negotiating in good faith was wrong. Further they compromised the Commission’s duty to be politically neutral.

“A Waste of Public Money” – Call for Government to Admit Mistake

“The review is a waste of public money. The Government should have simply admitted it made the wrong call, apologised and said it won’t happen again.”

The PSA stands ready to assist the independent reviewer to better understand the Commission’s damaging actions.

If accountability cannot be examined, what exactly is being reviewed? When public money funds political messaging against lawful strike action, transparency is not optional — it is essential.