Inquiry begins into IRD political polling

An investigation has been launched into Inland Revenue polling of the public’s political views, as it emerged the head of the tax department was not across the details of a major research project.

Stuff revealed on Sunday that Inland Revenue (IRD) was undertaking a $125,000 research project through polling company Colmar Brunton. It included questions on whether the public trusted Air New Zealand and Fonterra, views on globalisation and where respondents saw themselves on a political spectrum.

Neither Inland Revenue commissioner Naomi Ferguson nor head of marketing and communications Andrew Stott, who was in charge of the project, asked to see the questions before the poll began.

State Services Minister Chris Hipkins said yesterday he had asked State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes to investigate.

‘‘The political neutrality of the public service is paramount and I want to ensure that the message is reinforced,’’ Hipkins said.

National’s finance spokeswoman, Amy Adams, wrote to the commission yesterday, asking for an investigation, and saying that some of the questions ‘‘entirely inappropriate’’.

‘‘As this raises implications of politicisation, I am of the view that a formal investigation by you is required into the decision by IRD to conduct political polls and what – if any – involvement others had in deciding to conduct this or other such polls,’’ Adams wrote.

She said the investigation should also look into whether other ministries or agencies had undertaken similar polling ‘‘and whether government departments have used taxpayers’ money to push political messaging on behalf of the coalition Government’’.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the commissioner should issue guidance to government departments that questions on political leanings were inappropriate in any research being conducted.

‘‘There should never be political questions attached to that research in terms of the way people vote. That’s just not appropriate.’’

Revenue Minister Stuart Nash has refused interview requests on the polling, releasing a short statement yesterday that said he was not aware of the survey.

‘‘He has raised it this morning with the commissioner of Inland Revenue, who was also unaware of the survey question.’’