6 April 2020
Alan Thompson
[FYI request #12460 email]
Ref: OIA-2019/20-0418
Dear Alan Thompson
Official Information Act request for information relating to Whakaari/White Island eruption
Thank you for your Official Information Act request received on 17 March 2020. You requested:
1. A copy of the Terms of Reference or other documents setting out the scope of the
review being undertaken by NEMA of the response by CD to the Whakaari/White Island
eruption?
2. Conformation that the review will include all aspects of the response to the eruption and
in particular to the search, rescue and recovery of victims of the eruption, that being the
major operational task undertaken under the management/coordination of the Lead
Agency (BOPEMG)? The search, rescue and recovery operations post eruption were
undertaken by NZ Police who advised that they were a service operating to support the
Lead Agency (BOPEMG) under NZ's Coordinated Incident Management System
(CIMS).
3. A copy of the review report on the eruption response as being undertaken by NEMA.
I have decided under section 15A of the Official Information Act to extend the time limit for deciding
on your request by an additional 40 working days.
The extension is required because officials from the National Emergency Management Agency with
responsibility for this information are currently involved in New Zealand’s ongoing response to COVID-
19. In the light of the current circumstances, the consultations needed to make a decision on your
request cannot be completed within the original timeframe. Please be assured we will respond to your
request as soon as we are able.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under section 28(3)
of the Official Information Act.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Corbett
Manager, Ministerial Services
Level 4, Bowen House, Parliament Buildings | PO Box 5010 | Wellington 6145 | New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 830 5100 | [email address] | www.civildefence.govt.nz
