Social media can be an effective tool for agencies to communicate with people directly, to hear about what’s important to them, and to promote discussion and seek input on policy issues.

Public servants are also free to use social media in their private lives, in the same way as other citizens. The Standards of Integrity and Conduct, political neutrality obligations set out in the 2020 General Election Guidance and your agency policies apply to all media communications outside work as with other forms of communication.

He aratohu mā ngā kaimahi tūmatanui ki te whakamahi ōkawa i ngā pae pāpori | Guidance for public servants’ official use of social media

He aratohu mā ngā kaimahi tūmatanui ki te whakamahi i ngā pae pāpori | Guidance for public servants’ personal use of social media

Please note: The social media guidance was issued before the Public Service Act 2020 came into effect. As a result, it contains some language that reflects the previous State Services Act 1988. However, all guidance provided in the document remains applicable.