GPO kōrero – September 2026

This update focuses on progress on the Cabinet paper. It also provides updates on the Property Insights dashboards, looks ahead to the Agency Connect session on 6 October, and highlights key findings from the latest vacant space dashboard.

Cabinet paper - Seeking a new mandate for the government office portfolio

In early 2026, we consulted with you on a draft Cabinet paper seeking approval for a new mandate and the development of Government Office Rules. Following further engagement and refinement, the paper underwent Ministerial consultation and was formally lodged in July 2026.

We have since been advised that the paper will not be considered by Cabinet this year. While Ministers were generally supportive of the proposed direction, Cabinet has a number of competing priorities, including matters with pressing legislative and operational deadlines.

Although consideration of the Cabinet paper has been deferred until the new year, the Government Property Office remains focused on progressing the intended outcomes. In the meantime, we are developing interim guidance and advancing our work programme to provide greater clarity, consistency, and improvement across the government office accommodation system. We will continue to keep you updated on progress.

Agency Connect – invite coming out for Tuesday 6 October

GPO will be hosting the Agency Connect session in Te Iho (and virtually) on Tuesday 6 October. An invite will be sent out from the GPO Info inbox – keep an eye out. If you plan on attending in person, ensure to respond to the invite by 28 September 4:00pm. Sign-in instructions will be provided closer to the date.

Topics for the Connect session will include:

• The Government Portfolio Roadmap
• GPO Pulse Survey Results
• GPO Work Programme
• Property Insights Dashboards

Property insights at your fingertips

In our recent Pulse survey, you told us that you want more useful insights from portfolio data. While satisfaction with our ability to provide insights has improved since last year, it remains one of the key areas where you have asked us to do more.

To respond to this feedback, we are rolling out 2 Power BI dashboards over September and October. These dashboards will improve access to timely, transparent, and meaningful portfolio information, supporting better decision-making and greater visibility across the government office system.

Agency Insights dashboard

The Agency Insights dashboard is a self-service view of your agency's portfolio data, bringing together key metrics, trends, and insights in one place. Authorised users will be able to access a live dashboard whenever they need it, supporting portfolio planning, monitoring, and decision-making.

Access will be available through a web link that can be saved as a browser bookmark. The Power BI dashboard is interactive and allows users to explore data through filtering, drill-down functionality, and dynamic visualisations. Access will be managed through Entra ID and MyAccess, with role-based security ensuring agencies can only view their own information.

We are currently testing security, access controls, and the user experience with a small number of agencies. During September, access will be extended to 10 to 15 agencies before a wider rollout commences in October.

Public Portfolio Insights dashboard

By the end of September, we will publish an interactive Portfolio Insights dashboard under Property insights. This will replace the current static reporting and provide public access to aggregated, anonymised, and unclassified information about the government office portfolio.

Before publication, agencies have the opportunity to review and correct any information that may be inaccurate. If you are aware of any data quality issues or recent changes that may not yet be reflected in the Property portal, contact us. We would like to resolve any significant issues before publication.

Data can be updated directly through the Property portal, or the GPO team can assist you with making updates where required.

Vacant space

The following office space has been identified by agencies as available for use by other government organisations.

Making use of existing government accommodation can reduce costs, improve space utilisation, and support greater collaboration across agencies.

If you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities, contact your Senior Portfolio Manager at GPO.