The Office of the Auditor-general has been asked to conduct
an independent investigation into Novopay to identify ''the
inherent technological problems'' which are plaguing the
payroll system.
A letter, sent by New Zealand Principals' Federation
president Paul Drummond, said school principals were very
concerned about the continual and compounding issues
surrounding the Novopay system, and despite repeated
assurances by the Ministry of Education and the contractor,
Talent2, they were increasingly sceptical the system could
deliver an efficient and reliable system for the education
sector.
''Many of the historical errors from previous pay periods
cannot be reconciled until the system itself is stable and
working,'' the letter said.
''We believe that the magnitude of Novopay's problems is not
fully understood; nor is the extent of the consequences which
impact on staff and schools.
"The New Zealand Principals' Federation calls on you to
conduct an independent investigation into the Novopay payroll
system to identify the inherent technological problems which
are constantly creating over-payments, underpayments and
no-payments for school staff throughout the country.''
The letter said the random nature of so many of the errors
was some indication of the seriousness of the system's
inherent dysfunction.
''A review of Novopay has been indicated for the future, but
there is now urgency as the Novopay problems are escalating
and old issues compounding.''
Enclosed with the letter was one school's report of its
issues with Novopay.
The federation also sent a letter to Prime Minister John Key,
asking him to support its call for an independent
investigation.
Neither Mr Key, the Office of the Auditor-general or the
Ministry of Education were available for comment.
john.lewis@odt.co.nz
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