Bob
[FYI request #10346 email]
28 May 2019
Dear Bob,
RE: OIA 2018-19-22 - Water Bottling Engagement by NZTE
Thank you for your request of 20 May 2019 regarding an Of icial Information Act 1982 (the
Act) request, seeking:
1. Could you please provide details of which overseas companies were approached by
NZTE to invest in water bottling opportunities in New Zealand?
2. Of those approached, who if any engaged with NZTE further?
3. What other support was provided by NZTE to these organisations?
As New Zealand’s trade and investment promotion agency, NZTE helps companies grow
internationally, and develop business investment opportunities for the good of New Zealand.
As part of NZ Inc, NZTE also supports the economic parameters of the Government of the
day. The current Coalition Government has made it clear it no longer supports NZTE being
proactive in this sector so we have stopped our activities in this domain.
In response to your request:
1. Could you please provide details of which overseas companies were approached by
NZTE to invest in water bottling opportunities in New Zealand?
Due to commercial sensitivities, the full details of water bottling companies that you have
requested cannot be supplied and are being withheld under Section 9(2)(b)(i ). One
company that NZTE worked with is Nongfu Springs, this information is in the public domain.
2. Of those approached, who if any engaged with NZTE further?
• Nongfu Springs
3. What other support was provided by NZTE to these organisations?
A delegation from Nongfu Springs came to New Zealand in August 2015 to attend meetings
in New Zealand. NZTE hosted the delegation and facilitated introductions and meetings.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Melissa Trochon
Director – Ministerial