1 December 2021
Ref: DOIA 2122-1036
Christopher Auld
[FYI request #17434 email]
Dear Christopher
Thank you for your email transferred to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on 3
November 2021, requesting under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following information:
1. All documentation relating to the processes and procedures for managing persons isolated at
home under the ‘Overseas Arrivals At Home MIQ trial’ currently underway. Please ensure this
includes, but is not limited to, the documentation of processes and procedures for;
a.
The assessment of individual risk-factors for compliance with the requirements of at home
isolation. Please ensure that you include details as to whether assessment inquires as to
criminal convictions or membership of a gang (as gang is defined in s2 of the Prohibition
of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013)
b.
Testing for Covid-19 including how samples are to be collected.
c.
Monitoring for health symptoms including any diagnostic instruments such as
thermometers provided to isolated persons.
d.
Monitoring for ‘stay home’ compliance including any technology used to support this.
e.
Monitoring for ‘no visitors’ compliance including any technology used to support this
f.
Procedures to be followed if an isolated person tests positive for Covid-19 including how
they are evaluated against the criteria for quarantining at home as a positive case.
2. All documentation relating to the processes and procedures for persons who have tested positive
for Covid-19 and who are quarantined at home. Please ensure this includes, but is not limited to,
the documentation of processes and procedures for;
a.
The assessment of individual and/or group risk-factors for compliance with at home
quarantine. Please ensure that you include details as to whether assessment inquires as
to criminal convictions or membership of a gang (as gang is defined in s2 of the
Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013)
b.
Determining whether an individual or group is to be quarantined qualifies for at home
quarantine or will be moved to an MIQ facility
c.
Testing for Covid-19 including how samples are to be collected.
d.
Monitoring for health symptoms including any diagnostic instruments such as
thermometers provided to isolated persons.
e.
Monitoring for ‘stay home’ compliance including any technology used to support this.
f.
Monitoring for ‘no visitors’ compliance including any technology used to support this
g.
Determining that an individual or group is to be moved to an MIQ facility based on any
change in health status or non-compliance with the requirements of at home quarantine
I am writing to notify you that MBIE is extending the timeframe for responding to your request under
section 15A(1)(b) of the Act, as the consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such
that a proper response cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.
Responding to your request has been compounded by the fact that we have been in Covid-19 restrictions
and MBIE has been focused on assisting with the pandemic response. As such, an extension is necessary
to complete consultations with all relevant Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) subject matter
experts, many of whom are having to prioritise work relating to the Government’s response to the
community outbreak.
We will now respond to your request on or before 1 February 2022, which is an extension of 30 working
days. However, we will endeavour to respond to you sooner. Please be advised that this date takes into
account Christmas (25 December 2021), Summer Holidays (25 December to 15 January) New Year's Day
(1 January 2022) and Day after News Year's Day (2 January 2022).
Please note, MBIE can only provide a response to a, d, and e of part 1 of your request. We have liaised
with the Ministry of Health who have confirmed they will be responding to the remainder of your
request, including the entirety of part 2, as the requested information is more closely aligned with their
functions.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information to
make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Jacquiline Cooke
Team Leader, Ministerial Services
Managed Isolation and Quarantine
