10 November 2020
Ref: DOIA 2021-0787
John Luke
[FYI request #13955 email]
Tēnā koe John,
Thank you for your email of 12 October 2020 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) requesting under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) the following information:
“
I noted on your website, http://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-
recovery/tourism-futures-taskforce/ I would like to know your selection process of Tourism Futures
Taskforce Advisory Group, how you call for public expression of interest, how many you have shortlisted
during the process and what is the term of reference of this Tourism Futures Taskforce Advisory Group.
Any meeting minutes for the Tourism Futures Taskforce Advisory Group since its establishment? Also, in
particular I would like to know the attendance rate for Lisa Li | China Travel Service and how much you
have pay to her so far and expense she has claim.”
The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the tourism industry and has provided us with an
opportunity to re-think the way we approach tourism. The New Zealand Tourism Futures Taskforce (‘the
Taskforce’) will play a crucial role in leading the thinking of the future of the tourism system in New
Zealand. The Taskforce will make bold recommendations to address the environmental, social and
economic issues present in the tourism system. The Advisory Group will support the Taskforce by testing
solutions and synthesising information to inform the final recommendations.
You can read the Terms of Reference at this link:
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-
tourism/tourism/tourism-recovery/tourism-futures-taskforce/terms-of-reference/. Please note that, as
set out in the Terms of Reference for the Taskforce, members of the Advisory Group are invited and
appointed by the co-Chairs. The Advisory Group membership includes representatives from a cross–
section of New Zealand’s public and private sectors, and also includes members from sectors indirectly
impacted by tourism. Although there was no formal public expression of interest process, approximately
77 nominations were considered as possible candidates for the Advisory Group. The Advisory Group has
had several workshops, although minutes are not taken.
There have been three Advisory Group workshops and Lisa Li has attended all of the workshops. Please
note that, as set out in the invitation letter for the Advisory Group that forms part of the documents
released to you today, members will not be remunerated for their participation. Although the Taskforce
MBIE1376631
Secretariat agreed to cover travel, accommodation and travel costs, Lisa Li has not incurred any expenses
because the Advisory Group workshops has been conducted online due to COVID-19.
MBIE has identified documents within the scope of your request which are detailed in the document
schedule. Some information within this document has been redacted as out of scope, or withheld under
the following sections of the Act:
9(2)(a)
to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons.
In terms of section 9(1) of the Act, I am satisfied that, in the circumstances, the withholding of this
information is not outweighed by other considerations that render it desirable to make the information
available in the public interest.
I trust you find the information helpful. You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman of my decision to withhold information relating to this request, in accordance with section
28(3) of the Act. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz. or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā,
Richard Davies
Policy Director,
Tourism Branch
Document schedule
Documents released with some information withheld
Date
Description
Documentation on the Tourism Futures Taskforce Advisory Group
Email on behalf of the New Zealand Tourism Futures Taskforce to the
Tourism Futures Taskforce
7 July 2020
Attachment:
Advisory Group Invitation letter