A constitutional personality: does the New Zealand public service possess one, and is it in good order?

Abstract

On 4 May 2016 the Dominion Post published an editorial, as it is wont to do, on matters it deems of sufficient importance. This editorial was entitled ‘Servants of the people, not govt’. For the purposes of this article it is tempting to reproduce the editorial in its entirety. Typically such pieces are written with an efficiency of expression that generates maximum impact. Such was the case here. The point of departure was an announcement by the government of the appointment of Peter Hughes as the next state services commissioner