The Hughes culture: 'command and control'

The Hughes culture: 'command and control'
Responsive, agile and committed – and also “aggressive/defensive”. (Image: Getty)
Nikitin Sallee
What sort of culture will Peter Hughes leave behind when he retires as Public Service Commissioner in February? This is the ninth in a series of articles exploring the state of New Zealand's public service, including the career and legacy of public service commissioner Peter Hughes.An external review of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in 2011 – right at the end of Peter Hughes’ 10 years as chief executive – verged on effusive about the organisation he was leaving behind.MSD under Hughes, now the public servic...

More Investigations

Jewellers decry lack of transparency in claims market
Investigations Risky Business

Jewellers decry lack of transparency in claims market

An independent insurance assessor is engaged in replacing jewellery.

Gregor Thompson 07 Oct 2025
Nash cuts ties with migrant investor pitch
Policy

Nash cuts ties with migrant investor pitch

‘I have dissociated myself from this completely.’ 

Pattrick Smellie 19 Sep 2025
Mander’s ‘aggressive’ Rakon showdown draws fire
Markets

Mander’s ‘aggressive’ Rakon showdown draws fire

The NZSA boss says he was protecting small shareholders. Some say he’s damaged Rakon.

Kāpiti council boss' $43k Harvard trip
Investigations

Kāpiti council boss' $43k Harvard trip

Mayor defends overseas training spend as investment in council performance.

Cécile Meier 15 Aug 2025