A probe into conflict-of-interest allegations at the Teaching Council was sparked by a whistle blower’s claims the agency spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in public funds on an advertising firm run by the CEO’s husband. 

An anonymous letter sent to Education Minister Erica Stanford in June this year, obtained by the Herald, claims Clemenger BBDO received up to $800,000 from the council for advertising and consultancy work. Brett Hoskin, who is married to Teaching Council chief executive Lesley Hoskin, is Clemenger Wellington’s managing director. 

As first reported by the Herald, Lesley Hoskin went on a period of agreed leave last month amid an independent investigation into her conduct. 

The Herald has confirmed the conduct investigation began after the Public Service Commission (PSC) launched a separate probe examining procurement and conflict of interest concerns sparked by the whistleblower’s protected disclosure. 

The letter to Stanford said ministerial oversight was needed to ensure accountability and safeguard public funds. 

“The use of taxpayer funds places a higher level of scrutiny,” the letter stated. 

“Unfortunately, what we have observed over the last 12-18 months raises significant concerns about governance, ethical standards and staff welfare at the council. 

“There appears to be a pattern of procurement decisions that create, at the very least, a perception of conflicts of interest. 

“Even if the work was deemed necessary, directing such substantial funds to a business so closely linked the chief executive raises questions of ethical governance,” the letter claimed. 

The letter separately raised complaints about staff culture at the council. 

Education Minister Erica Stanford received a protected disclosure complaint and forwarded it for investigation to the Public Service Commission. Photo / Mark Mitchell 

After receiving the letter, Stanford said she immediately referred the allegations to the PSC which launched an investigation into procurement and conflict of interest concerns at the council. The PSC investigation is ongoing. 

The PSC would not comment on the independent conduct investigation into CEO Hoskin, saying employment issues were a matter for the Teaching Council. 

Council chairman David Ferguson said the agency’s CEO was on leave and day-to-day operations were continuing under acting CEO Tom Gott. 

“We are unable to comment on employment matters. 

“The board is awaiting the results of the investigations that are currently underway. 

“The Public Service Commission is investigating an existing complaint regarding procurement and conflicts of interest at the Teaching Council. We are unable to provide further details until this is complete, which is expected to be in the new year.” 

Lesley Hoskin did not respond to a request for comment via the Teaching Council. 

The Herald also sought comment from Brett Hoskin about concerns in the letter over alleged conflicts of interest, and the amount of contracts awarded to his firm. 

Teaching Council chairman David Ferguson. 

He did not respond personally. 

In a statement, a Clemenger spokesman said: “We will not be providing a comment in relation to this story.” 

A spokesman for Stanford said the Minister’s office received the letter in June. 

“It was passed onto the Public Service Commission, who is an appropriate authority to address these matters. 

“As per the normal no surprises basis, the Minister is aware of three separate investigations.” 

These include the PSC probe, the investigation into Lesley Hoskin’s conduct, and an independent strategic review into the council’s operational performance led by expert consultant Debbie Francis. 

‘This step is not taken lightly’ 

In the letter to Stanford, the whistle blower said they wanted to bring her attention to a “series of concerning issues” within the Teaching Council Aotearoa New Zealand. 

“This step is not taken lightly. Prior attempts to raise these matters internally - through discussions with team leaders and senior management - have not yielded any meaningful resolution.” 

They claimed the Clemenger contracts were worth between $400,000 and $800,000, covering an advertising campaign, a television commercial, internal consultancy work and other council projects. 

Lesley Hoskin is chief executive of the Teaching Council. She has take a period of "agreed leave" pending the outcome of an investigation into conduct allegations. Photo / Teaching Council 

The letter also raised concerns about “effectiveness and value for money” in relation to Education Ministry funding to prepare teachers for leadership positions, as well as staff culture concerns. 

A PSC spokesman said its investigation related to the conflict of interest and procurement concerns raised in the letter. 

“Our investigation is ongoing and it’s not appropriate for us to make any further comment until our work is complete. 

The Teaching Council is a professional body with oversight for vetting and registering teachers, and ensuring they are competent and fit to practise. 

Timothy Fisher at Manukau District Court for sentencing on 14 charges including committing indecent acts on children. Fisher offended against young students while working as an English tutor. Photo / Sylvie Whinray 

A Herald investigation this year revealed the council had certified a teacher with historical indecency convictions, despite a “red flag” from police warning he should not be allowed unsupervised access to children. 

The man, Timothy Fisher – who was able to hide his convictions under the Clean Slate Act – went on to indecently assault several young girls at a private after-school education provider and is now in prison. 

Hoskin has defended the council’s vetting and registration practices, saying no mistakes were made and its actions were consistent with legislation and information available at the time. 

Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the NZ Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.