Closing National Library For Memorial Service Would Not Have Been Appropriate – Minister

Bill
Hickman, Journalist

A senior public
servant’s remains were taken to his Government department’s
office for a memorial service, after initial plans for them
to be taken to the National Library were
abandoned.

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden
says neither scenario was appropriate.

The Department
of Internal Affairs confirmed staff came together last week
to farewell Deputy Secretary of Policy and Te Tiriti,
Michael Lovett, in the department’s Pipitea Street
offices.

Lovett’s remains were brought onsite for the
service.

A spokesperson said: “Michael Lovett, Deputy
Secretary at the Department of Internal Affairs, passed away
last week after a short battle with cancer.

“Michael
made a significant contribution during his eight years at
the Department and his loss is keenly felt.:

They said
that on 1 August, staff from the Department and other
colleagues came together at the DIA office to farewell
Michael at a private event.

Van Velden confirmed the
service was originally planned to be held at the National
Library and would’ve necessitated its temporary
closure.

“Firstly, my heart goes out to the grieving
family and friends of the deceased – it is no doubt a very
difficult time for them with the passing of a loved
one.

“I have expressed my view to the chief executive
that I do not believe it was appropriate to plan to close
the National Library for this purpose, nor for a deceased
person to be present at the department’s offices, and he has
assured me that it will not happen again.

Van Velden
said the National Library remained open and the service
ended up being held in a meeting room – in Internal Affair’s
central Wellington office – which was not open to the
public.

“I appreciate that staff may wish to mourn and
express grief after the passing of a colleague, but I have
asked the chief executive to review what occurred and look
to alternatives that may be considered in future,” van
Velden said.

A spokesperson for the Department of
Internal Affairs said Lovett – who spent eight years at
Internal Affairs – “passed away last week after a short
battle with cancer”.

The Public Service Commission has
been approached for comment but directed enquiries to the
Department of Internal
Affairs.

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