18 March 2022
P Shaw
[FYI request #17726 email]
Ref: OIA-2021/22-1123
Dear P Shaw
Official Information Act request relating to Build Back Better
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 20 February 2022. You
requested:
“I stated that I wanted the search term "Build Back Better" and NOT, "build", "back" and
"better". As you should be aware, the search term I requested significantly reduces the
quantity of the material returned from a search due to the number of letters in that particular
sequence. In contrast, the three terms you have used further broadens the search due to the
searched material only needing one of these words. It is also clear that I am looking for
information with a particular and well used phrase, so I find that your modification of my
search term is not in good faith because it will return such a vast quantity of material. The
only alteration I included was that the casing of the letters be ignored. So to be clear, this is
not a clarification of the original request but rather I am pointing out your error in altering the
search term to a term I did not request.
I would anticipate that the term I used will significantly reduce the quantity of material returned
from the search. In that case, rejection under section 18(f) of the Act need not apply.
As you have already taken a significant amount of time to respond to this request and you
have not yet answered my request, I urge you to do so promptly. Because I am not clarifying
my request but rather asserting that my request need not be modified in the manner that you
have modified it, need I remind you that you are now not meeting your obligations under the
Official Information Act 1982.”
We have interpreted your request to be for documents that include the phase “
build back better”, for
the period 1 September 2020 – 1 September 2021.
We consider that your request as it is currently worded is substantial in nature and is likely to be
refused under 18(f) of the Act as the information requested cannot be made available without
substantial collation or research.
To identify documents potentially within scope of your request requires searching documents held by
the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) covering a year. To assist us in responding
we suggest that the request is refined to include emails and communications held by DPMC that
include the phase “
build back better” for the period 1 September 2020 – 1 February 2021.
I have also decided under section 15A of the Act to extend the time limits for deciding on your request
by an additional 20 working days. Consequently, the extended due date for your response will be
19 April 2022.
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
4503360
64 4 817 9700 Facsimile 64 4 472 3181 www.dpmc.govt.nz
The extension is required because your request necessitates a search through a large quantity of
information, and consultations are needed before a decision can be made on your request. Despite
the extension, a response will be sent to you as soon as possible.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under section 28(3)
of the Act.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Corbett
Manager, Ministerial and Business Services
3249891
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