28 July 2020

This guidance sets out the steps public servants should take to use social media responsibly in an official and personal capacity.

Agencies in the Public Service need to keep the public informed about government policy and other relevant issues of the day. They also need to engage with the public, and to listen and be responsive to their views and needs.  

Social media can be an effective tool for achieving these goals. It can help agencies to communicate with New Zealanders directly, to hear about what is important to them and to promote discussion and seek their input on policy issues. Please read Guidance for  public servants’ official use of social media.

Public  servants are free to use social media in their private lives, in the same way as other citizens. Please read Guidance for public servants’ personal use of social media.