Thank you for your email.

 

Please accept this as acknowledgement that your email has been received by
my office.

 

Due to the efforts we are all making across Government to respond to
COVID-19, processing your correspondence may take longer than normal.

 

We appreciate your patience. 

 

Thanks again.

Authorised by Chris Hipkins MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kia ora Craig
On behalf of Hon Chris Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response, thank you
for your Official Information request of 28 December 2020. You have
requested:

- Please provide the data that New Zealand has that definitively proves
that passengers are boarding flights bound for New Zealand with the virus
already present.
- Please provide an explanation of how the pre-departure testing system
will create a safer and more efficient MIQ system in light of the
outbreaks reported after pre-departure testing in the Russian fishermen
and Pakistan cricket team groups, given the validity period of such a test
and the time it takes to travel (particularly from the UK which you have
used repeatedly as an example in press releases and when speaking to
media).
- Please provide data to show there has been a statistically significant
increase in cases being found in MIQ facilities from United Kingdom
sources since the latest rise in cases began (approximately September).
Please provide equivalent data for August as well for a pre-rise
comparison.
- Please provide an explanation of the consultation undertaken with
overseas residents around the introduction of the original MIQ allocation
system and charges and the additional testing requirements announced for
high-risk countries (given the time to implement since the beginning of
the pandemic). Please include reference to costs borne by the passenger,
as well as the MIQ procedure for changing flights and days of arrival.

The information requested appears to be more closely associated with the
functions and responsibilities of the Ministry of Health. Accordingly I am
transferring your request to the Ministry of Health under section
14(b)(ii) of the Official Information Act 1982.

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to
review this decision to transfer your request for information.

Ngā mihi

 

Haylee

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Craig MacDonell
[[1]mailto:[FYI request #14374 email]]
Sent: Monday, 28 December 2020 10:30 PM
To: C Hipkins (MIN) <[2][Chris Hipkins request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Additional Covid-19 tests for
returnees from higher risk countries

Dear Chris Hipkins,

I have recently sent a letter (dated 28/12/2020) regarding this topic.

This is the promised Official Information Act request for information
regarding the point raised in the said letter. They are as follows:

- Please provide the data that New Zealand has that definitively proves
that passengers are boarding flights bound for New Zealand with the virus
already present.
- Please provide an explanation of how the pre-departure testing system
will create a safer and more efficient MIQ system in light of the
outbreaks reported after pre-departure testing in the Russian fishermen
and Pakistan cricket team groups, given the validity period of such a test
and the time it takes to travel (particularly from the UK which you have
used repeatedly as an example in press releases and when speaking to
media).
- Please provide data to show there has been a statistically significant
increase in cases being found in MIQ facilities from United Kingdom
sources since the latest rise in cases began (approximately September).
Please provide equivalent data for August as well for a pre-rise
comparison.
- Please provide an explanation of the consultation undertaken with
overseas residents around the introduction of the original MIQ allocation
system and charges and the additional testing requirements announced for
high-risk countries (given the time to implement since the beginning of
the pandemic). Please include reference to costs borne by the passenger,
as well as the MIQ procedure for changing flights and days of arrival.

Yours faithfully,

Craig MacDonell

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[3][FYI request #14374 email]

Is [4][Chris Hipkins request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to Chris Hipkins? If so, please contact us using this
form:
[5]https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[6]https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

________________________________

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References

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1. mailto:[FYI request #14374 email]
2. mailto:[Chris Hipkins request email]
3. mailto:[FYI request #14374 email]
4. mailto:[Chris Hipkins request email]
5. https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...
6. https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

hide quoted sections

Kia ora   

   

Thank you for your request for official information received on 11 January
2021 for:   

   

" - Please provide the data that New Zealand has that definitively proves
that passengers are boarding flights bound for New Zealand with the virus
already present.

- Please provide an explanation of how the pre-departure testing system
will create a safer and more efficient MIQ system in light of the
outbreaks reported after pre-departure testing in the Russian fishermen
and Pakistan cricket team groups, given the validity period of such a test
and the time it takes to travel (particularly from the UK which you have
used repeatedly as an example in press releases and when speaking to
media).
- Please provide data to show there has been a statistically significant
increase in cases being found in MIQ facilities from United Kingdom
sources since the latest rise in cases began (approximately September).
Please provide equivalent data for August as well for a pre-rise
comparison.
- Please provide an explanation of the consultation undertaken with
overseas residents around the introduction of the original MIQ allocation
system and charges and the additional testing requirements announced for
high-risk countries (given the time to implement since the beginning of
the pandemic). Please include reference to costs borne by the passenger,
as well as the MIQ procedure for changing flights and days of arrival."

 

The Ministry's reference number for your request is: H202100068.   

   

As required under the Official Information Act 1982, the Ministry will
endeavour to respond to your request no later than 15 February 2021, being
20 working days after the day your request was received.   

   

Please note, the three weeks between Christmas Day and 15 January 2021 do
not count as working days. For more information, please refer to the
following website: [1]http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/   

   

If we are unable to respond to your request within this time frame, we
will notify you of an extension of that time frame.   

   

If you have any queries related to this request, please do not hesitate to
get in touch.   

   

Ngā mihi   

   

OIA Services   

Government Services   

Office of the Director-General   

Ministry of Health   

E: [2][email address]   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Haylee Isaacs <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 11 January 2021 09:29
To: [FOI #14374 email]
<[FOI #14374 email]>
Subject: FW: Official Information request - Additional Covid-19 tests for
returnees from higher risk countries (CHOIA019)
 

Kia ora Craig
On behalf of Hon Chris Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response, thank you
for your Official Information request of 28 December 2020. You have
requested:

- Please provide the data that New Zealand has that definitively proves
that passengers are boarding flights bound for New Zealand with the virus
already present.
- Please provide an explanation of how the pre-departure testing system
will create a safer and more efficient MIQ system in light of the
outbreaks reported after pre-departure testing in the Russian fishermen
and Pakistan cricket team groups, given the validity period of such a test
and the time it takes to travel (particularly from the UK which you have
used repeatedly as an example in press releases and when speaking to
media).
- Please provide data to show there has been a statistically significant
increase in cases being found in MIQ facilities from United Kingdom
sources since the latest rise in cases began (approximately September).
Please provide equivalent data for August as well for a pre-rise
comparison.
- Please provide an explanation of the consultation undertaken with
overseas residents around the introduction of the original MIQ allocation
system and charges and the additional testing requirements announced for
high-risk countries (given the time to implement since the beginning of
the pandemic). Please include reference to costs borne by the passenger,
as well as the MIQ procedure for changing flights and days of arrival.

The information requested appears to be more closely associated with the
functions and responsibilities of the Ministry of Health. Accordingly I am
transferring your request to the Ministry of Health under section
14(b)(ii) of the Official Information Act 1982.

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to
review this decision to transfer your request for information.

Ngā mihi

 

Haylee

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Craig MacDonell
[[3]mailto:[FOI #14374 email]]
Sent: Monday, 28 December 2020 10:30 PM
To: C Hipkins (MIN) <[4][Chris Hipkins request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Additional Covid-19 tests for
returnees from higher risk countries

Dear Chris Hipkins,

I have recently sent a letter (dated 28/12/2020) regarding this topic.

This is the promised Official Information Act request for information
regarding the point raised in the said letter. They are as follows:

- Please provide the data that New Zealand has that definitively proves
that passengers are boarding flights bound for New Zealand with the virus
already present.
- Please provide an explanation of how the pre-departure testing system
will create a safer and more efficient MIQ system in light of the
outbreaks reported after pre-departure testing in the Russian fishermen
and Pakistan cricket team groups, given the validity period of such a test
and the time it takes to travel (particularly from the UK which you have
used repeatedly as an example in press releases and when speaking to
media).
- Please provide data to show there has been a statistically significant
increase in cases being found in MIQ facilities from United Kingdom
sources since the latest rise in cases began (approximately September).
Please provide equivalent data for August as well for a pre-rise
comparison.
- Please provide an explanation of the consultation undertaken with
overseas residents around the introduction of the original MIQ allocation
system and charges and the additional testing requirements announced for
high-risk countries (given the time to implement since the beginning of
the pandemic). Please include reference to costs borne by the passenger,
as well as the MIQ procedure for changing flights and days of arrival.

Yours faithfully,

Craig MacDonell

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[5][FOI #14374 email]

Is [6][Chris Hipkins request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to Chris Hipkins? If so, please contact us using this
form:
[7]https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[8]https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

________________________________

****************************************************************************
Statement of confidentiality: This e-mail message and any accompanying
attachments may contain information that is IN-CONFIDENCE and subject to
legal privilege.
If you are not the intended recipient, do not read, use, disseminate,
distribute or copy this message or attachments.
If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender
immediately and delete this message.
****************************************************************************

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legal privilege.
If you are not the intended recipient, do not read, use, disseminate,
distribute or copy this message or attachments.
If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender
immediately and delete this message.
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References

Visible links
1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[FOI #14374 email]
4. mailto:[Chris Hipkins request email]
5. mailto:[FOI #14374 email]
6. mailto:[Chris Hipkins request email]
7. https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...
8. https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Craig,

 

On behalf of Nick Allan, Manager, OIA Services, please see attached the
partial transfer of your OIA request.

 

 

Ngā mihi

OIA Services
Government Services
Office of the Director-General
Ministry of Health
E: [1][email address]

 

 

 

****************************************************************************
Statement of confidentiality: This e-mail message and any accompanying
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distribute or copy this message or attachments.
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Ref: 2021-1465

 

Dear Craig,

 

On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 11th January 2021 requesting under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:

 

Please provide an explanation of the consultation undertaken with overseas
residents around the introduction of the original MIQ allocation system
and charges and the additional testing requirements announced for
high-risk countries (given the time to implement since the beginning of
the pandemic). Please include reference to costs borne by the passenger,
as well as the MIQ procedure for changing flights and days of arrival’

 

Your request has been transferred to the Ministry from Ministry of Health
on 10th February 2021 and is being processed in accordance with the
Official Information Act 1982. A response will be sent to you in due
course.

 

Please note, due to ongoing COVID-19 response work, requests are currently
being triaged and those relating to Covid-19 processed as a priority.
Remaining requests are being assessed as per the Ombudsman’s guidance
(which can be found here:
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/news/chief-ombudsmans-statement-official-information-response-times-during-covid-19-emergency)
and processed accordingly.

 

If you have any enquiries regarding your request feel free to contact us
via email [2][email address] or using the contact details below.

 

Nâku noa, nâ

MINISTERIAL SERVICES

 

Corporate, Governance and Information

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Level 4, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140

NZBN 9429000106078

 

[3]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

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Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. This message and any
files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
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Kia ora Craig,

 

Thank you for your request for official information, which was received on
11 January 2021 requesting information relating to COVID-19 returnees from
higher risk countries.

 

The Ministry of Health has decided to extend the period of time available
to respond to your request under section 15A of the Official Information
Act 1982 (the Act) as consultation necessary to make a decision on your
request is such that a proper response cannot reasonably be made within
the normal 20 working day time limit. The Ministry of Health will reply to
your request by no later than 3 March 2020, earlier if possible.

 

You have the right under section 28(3) of the Act to ask the Ombudsman to
review our decision to extend the time available to respond to your
request.

 

 

Ngā mihi

OIA Services
Government Services
Office of the Director-General
Ministry of Health
E: [1][email address]

 

****************************************************************************
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Kia ora Craig,

 

On behalf of Gill Hall, Group Manager, COVID-19 Science and Insights,
please see attached the response to your OIA request.

 

 

Ngā mihi

OIA Services
Government Services
Office of the Director-General
Ministry of Health
E: [1][email address]

 

 

 

 

 

 

****************************************************************************
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Kia ora Craig,

 

On behalf of Gill Hall, Group Manager, COVID-19 Science and Insights,
please see attached the response to your OIA request.

 

 

Ngā mihi

OIA Services
Government Services
Office of the Director-General
Ministry of Health
E: [1][email address]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dear Craig

 

Please find a letter regarding your request for official information
attached.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Ministerial Services

 

 

[1]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

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Dear Craig

 

Please our response to your FYI request 14374-27efd80.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Ministerial Services

[1]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

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Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
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files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
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