Ref: DOIA 20-231
11 May 2020
Mrs. C Benincasa
By email: [FYI request #12800 email] Dear Mrs Benincasa
Thank you for your official information request received on 7 May 2020 for all
documentation relating to the transaction and decision made to grant Microsoft access to
substantial New Zealand land for the purpose of building a regional data center.
The Overseas Investment Office (OIO) has not received any application under the
Overseas Investment Act 2005 (the Act) for Microsoft to acquire land in New Zealand to
build a regional data centre.
Accordingly, your request is refused under section 18(e) of the Official Information Act
as the documentation requested does not exist.
The OIO as part of its standard processes, will be following up with Microsoft to identify
whether the proposed transaction requires consent under the Act and if so when they
are likely to be submitting an application.
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.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to cont
act [email address] Yours sincerely
Pete Hill
Principal Advisor
Ministerial Support and Official Correspondence
