Kia ora

 

Thank you for taking the time to write to Hon Chris Hipkins, Minister for
COVID-19 Response, Minister of Education, Minister for the Public Sector
and Leader of the House.

We are receiving a significant amount of correspondence at the moment and
although your email will be carefully considered and noted, it is not
possible to respond to each individual email. However we will endeavour
to respond to your individual queries as soon as we can.

In the meantime, information about the COVID-19 Protection Framework can
be found here:
[1]https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/c...
and guidance for businesses can be found here:
[2]https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/
Current locations of interest are set out
at [3]https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/dise...
encourage anyone who has been at one of the locations of interest at the
time specified to self-isolate and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. 

 

You can find the nearest testing centre to you
at [4]https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/ and your nearest
vaccination centre at
[5]https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-v.... You can also book
your vaccination at [6]https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz/ or by
calling 0800 28 29 26.

 

To get your My Vaccine Pass online head to
[7]https://mycovidrecord.health.nz/ or for help over the phone you can
call 0800 222 478 between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week. Those pharmacies
giving COVID-19 vaccines can also help with My Vaccine Pass face to face,
and can be found here:
[8]https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-v...
.

We appreciate that this is a challenging time. If you need to talk, you
can call or text 1737 at any time. Mental health and wellbeing resources
are also available
at [9]https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/dise...
about the financial support available to individuals and businesses can be
found
at [10]https://covid19.govt.nz/business-and-mon....

We also understand that there are several other aspects to the response
that are very important to people. You can find more information about:

o Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ)
at [11]https://www.miq.govt.nz/, including how to request an emergency
allocation
at [12]https://www.miq.govt.nz/travel-to-new-ze...
make a complaint or request a review of your application by
emailing [13]https://www.miq.govt.nz/about/contact-us....
o Travel with Australia
at [14]https://covid19.govt.nz/travel/quarantin...
you are in Australia, please register
at [15]https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/ and if it is an emergency,
contact the Consulate on +64 99 20 20 20.
o Vaccine data and statistics
at [16]https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/dise...
Medsafe’s vaccine safety monitoring reports
at [17]https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/COVID-19/vac...
o The Government’s plan to reconnect New Zealand with the rest of the
world
at [19]https://covid19.govt.nz/reconnecting-new....

Please remember to take care, and be kind. We have beaten COVID-19 before,
and we can do it again.

Ngā mihi,

Office of Hon Chris Hipkins

Minister for COVID-19 Response | Minister of Education | Minister for the
Public Sector | Leader of the House | MP for Remutaka

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

References

Visible links
1. https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/c...
2. https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/
3. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/dise...
4. https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/
5. https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-v...
6. https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz/
7. https://mycovidrecord.health.nz/
8. https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-v...
9. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/dise...
10. https://covid19.govt.nz/business-and-mon...
11. https://www.miq.govt.nz/
12. https://www.miq.govt.nz/travel-to-new-ze...
13. https://www.miq.govt.nz/about/contact-us...
14. https://covid19.govt.nz/travel/quarantin...
15. https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
16. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/dise...
17. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/COVID-19/vac...
18. file:///C:\Users\TasolaM\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\556O8F80\Updated%20Document1.docx#_msocom_1
19. https://covid19.govt.nz/reconnecting-new...

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Harold

Thank you for your email of 7 December 2021 in which you submitted a request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Hon Chris Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response. You have requested the following papers:

"The Ministry of Health:

1. (3-Sep) COVID-19 therapeutics supply managements (ref: 20211968) 2. (22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller Case 2021 (ref: 20211771) 3. (28 Sep) Health system readiness for reopening: parameters in light of Delta (ref: 20212079) 4. (29-Sep) The in-MIQF transmission risk mitigation map: findings & ongoing work programme (ref: 20212083) 5. (1-Nov) COVID-19 Health System Response: Oxygen supply and environmental Issues (ref: 20212282) 6. (4-Nov) Changes to implement shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref: 20212389) 7. (11-Nov) Oxygen Supply Programme update briefing (ref: 20212282) 8. (12-Nov) Testing case investigation and contact tracing (ref: 20212470) 9. (18-Nov) Public health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref: 20212528)

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet:

1. DPMC-2020/21-1222 Summary of the Australian National Plan for Reopening 7/07/2021 2. DPMC-2021/22-66 Stocktake of Government Covid-19 Response System 30/07/2021 3. DPMC-2021/22-105 Additional Risk Mitigation Measures for Travellers from Indonesia and Fiji 5/08/2021 4. DPMC-2021/22-134 COVID-19 Related Reports of False Information to CERT NZ 11/08/2021 5. DPMC-2020/21-1286 Tools and Measures used in Australia and Singapore to Manage COVID-19 13/08/2021 6. DPMC-2021/22-159 Review of Very High Risk Countries: India, Pakistan, Brazil and Papua New Guinea 16/08/2021 7. DPMC-2021/22-195 Alert Level Boundary Options for Consideration 18/08/2021 8. DPMC-2021/22-193 Increase in Funding for Covid-19 Response Unit Due to COVID-19 Resurgence, August 2021 18/08/2021

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment:

1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper 10/08/2021 2. 2122-0541 Options to address demand on MIQ 20/08/2021 3. 2122-0670 Managed isolation and quarantine options for responding to the community outbreak 22/08/2021 4. 2122-0550 Allocation strategy options for high demand periods 25/08/2021 5. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe demand for MIQ space due to concurrent events 25/08/2021
6. 2122-0586 Additional MIQ facilities to address current demand 27/08/2021 MBIE
7. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases and impact on MIQ system 29/08/2021 8. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Ombudsman 30/08/2021"

Pursuant to section 15 (1) of the Act, we will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible, and no later than 25 January 2022 being 20 working days after the day your request was received. Please note 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 the day after New Year's Day (2 January 2022). If we are unable to respond to your request within this timeframe, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.

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

Ngā mihi,
Lydia

Lydia Verschaffelt | Health Private Secretary
Office of Hon Chris Hipkins
Minister for COVID-19 Response | Minister of Education | Minister for the Public Service | Leader of the House
Parliament Buildings, Private Bag 18041, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold [mailto:[FYI request #17877 email]]
Sent: Tuesday, 7 December 2021 7:57 PM
To: C Hipkins (MIN) <[Chris Hipkins request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - COVID-19 reports received by the minister

Dear Chris Hipkins,

I would like to make a request for copies of the following reports, received by the minister from the following agencies:

The Ministry of Health:

1. (3-Sep) COVID-19 therapeutics supply managements (ref: 20211968) 2. (22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller Case 2021 (ref: 20211771) 3. (28 Sep) Health system readiness for reopening: parameters in light of Delta (ref: 20212079) 4. (29-Sep) The in-MIQF transmission risk mitigation map: findings & ongoing work programme (ref: 20212083) 5. (1-Nov) COVID-19 Health System Response: Oxygen supply and environmental Issues (ref: 20212282) 6. (4-Nov) Changes to implement shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref: 20212389) 7. (11-Nov) Oxygen Supply Programme update briefing (ref: 20212282) 8. (12-Nov) Testing case investigation and contact tracing (ref: 20212470) 9. (18-Nov) Public health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref: 20212528)

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet:

1. DPMC-2020/21-1222 Summary of the Australian National Plan for Reopening 7/07/2021 2. DPMC-2021/22-66 Stocktake of Government Covid-19 Response System 30/07/2021 3. DPMC-2021/22-105 Additional Risk Mitigation Measures for Travellers from Indonesia and Fiji 5/08/2021 4. DPMC-2021/22-134 COVID-19 Related Reports of False Information to CERT NZ 11/08/2021 5. DPMC-2020/21-1286 Tools and Measures used in Australia and Singapore to Manage COVID-19 13/08/2021 6. DPMC-2021/22-159 Review of Very High Risk Countries: India, Pakistan, Brazil and Papua New Guinea 16/08/2021 7. DPMC-2021/22-195 Alert Level Boundary Options for Consideration 18/08/2021 8. DPMC-2021/22-193 Increase in Funding for Covid-19 Response Unit Due to COVID-19 Resurgence, August 2021 18/08/2021

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment:

1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper 10/08/2021 2. 2122-0541 Options to address demand on MIQ 20/08/2021 3. 2122-0670 Managed isolation and quarantine options for responding to the community outbreak 22/08/2021 4. 2122-0550 Allocation strategy options for high demand periods 25/08/2021 5. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe demand for MIQ space due to concurrent events 25/08/2021
6. 2122-0586 Additional MIQ facilities to address current demand 27/08/2021 MBIE
7. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases and impact on MIQ system 29/08/2021 8. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Ombudsman 30/08/2021

Yours faithfully,

Harold

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

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

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FYI request #17877 email]

Is [Chris Hipkins request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Chris Hipkins? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

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.

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

________________________________

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Harold,

 

Thank you for your email of 7 December 2021 in which you submitted a
request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Hon Chris
Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response. You have requested the following
papers:

 

"The Ministry of Health:

 

1. (3-Sep) COVID-19 therapeutics supply managements (ref: 20211968) 2.
(22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller Case
2021 (ref: 20211771) 3. (28 Sep) Health system readiness for reopening:
parameters in light of Delta (ref: 20212079) 4. (29-Sep) The in-MIQF
transmission risk mitigation map: findings & ongoing work programme (ref:
20212083) 5. (1-Nov) COVID-19 Health System Response: Oxygen supply and
environmental Issues (ref: 20212282) 6. (4-Nov) Changes to implement
shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref: 20212389) 7. (11-Nov) Oxygen
Supply Programme update briefing (ref: 20212282) 8. (12-Nov) Testing case
investigation and contact tracing (ref: 20212470) 9. (18-Nov) Public
health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref: 20212528)

 

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet:

 

1. DPMC-2020/21-1222 Summary of the Australian National Plan for Reopening
7/07/2021 2. DPMC-2021/22-66 Stocktake of Government Covid-19 Response
System 30/07/2021 3. DPMC-2021/22-105 Additional Risk Mitigation Measures
for Travellers from Indonesia and Fiji 5/08/2021 4. DPMC-2021/22-134
COVID-19 Related Reports of False Information to CERT NZ 11/08/2021 5.
DPMC-2020/21-1286 Tools and Measures used in Australia and Singapore to
Manage COVID-19 13/08/2021 6. DPMC-2021/22-159 Review of Very High Risk
Countries: India, Pakistan, Brazil and Papua New Guinea 16/08/2021 7.
DPMC-2021/22-195 Alert Level Boundary Options for Consideration 18/08/2021
8. DPMC-2021/22-193 Increase in Funding for Covid-19 Response Unit Due to
COVID-19 Resurgence, August 2021 18/08/2021

 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment:

 

1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper
10/08/2021 2. 2122-0541 Options to address demand on MIQ 20/08/2021 3.
2122-0670 Managed isolation and quarantine options for responding to the
community outbreak 22/08/2021 4. 2122-0550 Allocation strategy options for
high demand periods 25/08/2021 5. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe
demand for MIQ space due to concurrent events 25/08/2021

6. 2122-0586 Additional MIQ facilities to address current demand
27/08/2021 MBIE

7. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases and impact on MIQ
system 29/08/2021 8. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Ombudsman 30/08/2021"

 

The Office 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 Office will reply to your request by no later
than 15 February 2022, earlier if possible.

 

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to
review my decision to extend the time available to respond to your
request.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

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

References

Visible links

Good Afternoon Justin,

 

Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the
Act) for several briefings from 2020 and 2021. On 20 December 2021, your
request was transferred from the Ministry of Health, to the Office of Hon
Chris Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response for response. You
specifically requested the following briefings:

 

“5 Oct 2020 - Evaluation of a new rapid testing option for COVID-19
17 Nov 2020 - Refresh of the COVID-19 Surveillance Strategy and COVID-19
Testing Plan
17 Nov 2020 - COVID-19 testing guidance to the health sector 
3 Mar 2020 - Covid-19 Testing guidance update
5 Mar 2021 - Covid-19 Testing modalities

Briefing: Update on current COVID-19 surveillance tests and tools
[HR20210190]
Memorandum: Swabbing for COVID-19 in Community Pharmacies [HR20210529]

4 Sept 2021 - Improving surveillance testing of workers in higher-risk
settings [20211995]”

 

The Office 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 Office will reply to your request by no later
than 15 February 2022, earlier if possible.

 

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to
review my decision to extend the time available to respond to your
request.

 

Kind regards,

 

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

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

References

Visible links

Hi Harold,

Thank you for the correction, I have resent the email correctly.

Many Thanks,

Daniel Martin
Health Private Secretary
Office of Hon Chris Hipkins
Minister for COVID-19 Response | Minister of Education | Minister for the Public Service | Leader of the House
Parliament Buildings, Private Bag 18041, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold [mailto:[FOI #17877 email]]
Sent: Tuesday, 8 February 2022 5:53 PM
To: Daniel Martin <[email address]>
Subject: Re: CHOIA201 Extension

Dear Daniel Martin,

I think this message might have been sent to the wrong person.

Yours sincerely,

Harold

-----Original Message-----

Good Afternoon Justin,

Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the
Act) for several briefings from 2020 and 2021. On 20 December 2021, your request was transferred from the Ministry of Health, to the Office of Hon Chris Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response for response. You specifically requested the following briefings:

“5 Oct 2020 - Evaluation of a new rapid testing option for COVID-19
17 Nov 2020 - Refresh of the COVID-19 Surveillance Strategy and COVID-19 Testing Plan
17 Nov 2020 - COVID-19 testing guidance to the health sector
3 Mar 2020 - Covid-19 Testing guidance update
5 Mar 2021 - Covid-19 Testing modalities

Briefing: Update on current COVID-19 surveillance tests and tools [HR20210190]
Memorandum: Swabbing for COVID-19 in Community Pharmacies [HR20210529]

4 Sept 2021 - Improving surveillance testing of workers in higher-risk settings [20211995]”

The Office 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 Office will reply to your request by no later than 15 February 2022, earlier if possible.

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision to extend the time available to respond to your request.

Kind regards,

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel Martin Health Private Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

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

References

Visible links

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #17877 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

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.

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

________________________________

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Harold,

 

Please find attached the Ministers response to your request for official
information.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

From: Daniel Martin
Sent: Tuesday, 25 January 2022 4:53 PM
To: '[FOI #17877 email]'
<[FOI #17877 email]>
Subject: OIA extension for CHOIA192

 

Kia ora Harold,

 

Thank you for your email of 7 December 2021 in which you submitted a
request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Hon Chris
Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response. You have requested the following
papers:

 

"The Ministry of Health:

 

1. (3-Sep) COVID-19 therapeutics supply managements (ref: 20211968) 2.
(22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller Case
2021 (ref: 20211771) 3. (28 Sep) Health system readiness for reopening:
parameters in light of Delta (ref: 20212079) 4. (29-Sep) The in-MIQF
transmission risk mitigation map: findings & ongoing work programme (ref:
20212083) 5. (1-Nov) COVID-19 Health System Response: Oxygen supply and
environmental Issues (ref: 20212282) 6. (4-Nov) Changes to implement
shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref: 20212389) 7. (11-Nov) Oxygen
Supply Programme update briefing (ref: 20212282) 8. (12-Nov) Testing case
investigation and contact tracing (ref: 20212470) 9. (18-Nov) Public
health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref: 20212528)

 

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet:

 

1. DPMC-2020/21-1222 Summary of the Australian National Plan for Reopening
7/07/2021 2. DPMC-2021/22-66 Stocktake of Government Covid-19 Response
System 30/07/2021 3. DPMC-2021/22-105 Additional Risk Mitigation Measures
for Travellers from Indonesia and Fiji 5/08/2021 4. DPMC-2021/22-134
COVID-19 Related Reports of False Information to CERT NZ 11/08/2021 5.
DPMC-2020/21-1286 Tools and Measures used in Australia and Singapore to
Manage COVID-19 13/08/2021 6. DPMC-2021/22-159 Review of Very High Risk
Countries: India, Pakistan, Brazil and Papua New Guinea 16/08/2021 7.
DPMC-2021/22-195 Alert Level Boundary Options for Consideration 18/08/2021
8. DPMC-2021/22-193 Increase in Funding for Covid-19 Response Unit Due to
COVID-19 Resurgence, August 2021 18/08/2021

 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment:

 

1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper
10/08/2021 2. 2122-0541 Options to address demand on MIQ 20/08/2021 3.
2122-0670 Managed isolation and quarantine options for responding to the
community outbreak 22/08/2021 4. 2122-0550 Allocation strategy options for
high demand periods 25/08/2021 5. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe
demand for MIQ space due to concurrent events 25/08/2021

6. 2122-0586 Additional MIQ facilities to address current demand
27/08/2021 MBIE

7. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases and impact on MIQ
system 29/08/2021 8. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Ombudsman 30/08/2021"

 

The Office 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 Office will reply to your request by no later
than 15 February 2022, earlier if possible.

 

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to
review my decision to extend the time available to respond to your
request.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

[2]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

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

References

Visible links

Kia ora Harold,

Sorry for the confusion there, I’ll get the remaining documents out to you
as soon as manageable.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold [mailto:[FYI request #17877 email]]
Sent: Monday, 21 February 2022 6:35 PM
To: Daniel Martin <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OIA extension for CHOIA192

 

Dear Daniel Martin,

 

Thanks for this reply, but some of the documents I requested seem to have
been left out - maybe you didn't notice them.

 

On 7 December I requested copies of 25 documents received by the Minister,
listed by their agency of origin: Ministry of Health, DPMC and MBIE. Your
response of 15 February only addresses the Ministry of Health documents.

 

For your convenience, here are the DPMC and MBIE documents received by the
Minister I requested copies of on 7 December:

 

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet:

 

1. DPMC-2020/21-1222 Summary of the Australian National Plan for Reopening
7/07/2021 2. DPMC-2021/22-66 Stocktake of Government Covid-19 Response
System 30/07/2021 3. DPMC-2021/22-105 Additional Risk Mitigation Measures
for Travellers from Indonesia and Fiji 5/08/2021 4. DPMC-2021/22-134
COVID-19 Related Reports of False Information to CERT NZ 11/08/2021 5.
DPMC-2020/21-1286 Tools and Measures used in Australia and Singapore to
Manage COVID-19 13/08/2021 6. DPMC-2021/22-159 Review of Very High Risk
Countries: India, Pakistan, Brazil and Papua New Guinea 16/08/2021 7.
DPMC-2021/22-195 Alert Level Boundary Options for Consideration 18/08/2021
8. DPMC-2021/22-193 Increase in Funding for Covid-19 Response Unit Due to
COVID-19 Resurgence, August 2021 18/08/2021

 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment:

 

1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper
10/08/2021 2. 2122-0541 Options to address demand on MIQ 20/08/2021 3.
2122-0670 Managed isolation and quarantine options for responding to the
community outbreak 22/08/2021 4. 2122-0550 Allocation strategy options for
high demand periods 25/08/2021 5. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe
demand for MIQ space due to concurrent events 25/08/2021 6. 2122-0586
Additional MIQ facilities to address current demand 27/08/2021 MBIE 7.
2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases and impact on MIQ system
29/08/2021 8. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Ombudsman 30/08/2021

 

I would like to renew my request for copies of these 16 documents.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Harold

 

-----Original Message-----

 

Kia ora Harold,

 

 

 

Please find attached the Ministers response to your request for official 
information.

 

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

 

 

 

[1][2]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel  Martin  Health  Private 
Secretary

 

Office of

Hon Chris

Hipkins   

 

Minister

for

COVID-19

Response |

Minister

of

Education

| Minister

for the

Public

Service |

Leader of

the House

 

Parliament

Buildings,

Private

Bag 18041,

Wellington

6160, New

Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

From: Daniel Martin

Sent: Tuesday, 25 January 2022 4:53 PM

To: '[FOI #17877 email]'

<[FOI #17877 email]>

Subject: OIA extension for CHOIA192

 

 

 

Kia ora Harold,

 

 

 

Thank you for your email of 7 December 2021 in which you submitted a 
request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Hon
Chris  Hipkins, Minister for COVID-19 Response. You have requested the
following

papers:

 

 

 

"The Ministry of Health:

 

 

 

1. (3-Sep) COVID-19 therapeutics supply managements (ref: 20211968) 2.

(22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller Case

2021 (ref: 20211771) 3. (28 Sep) Health system readiness for reopening:

parameters in light of Delta (ref: 20212079) 4. (29-Sep) The in-MIQF 
transmission risk mitigation map: findings & ongoing work programme (ref:

20212083) 5. (1-Nov) COVID-19 Health System Response: Oxygen supply and 
environmental Issues (ref: 20212282) 6. (4-Nov) Changes to implement 
shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref: 20212389) 7. (11-Nov) Oxygen 
Supply Programme update briefing (ref: 20212282) 8. (12-Nov) Testing case 
investigation and contact tracing (ref: 20212470) 9. (18-Nov) Public 
health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref: 20212528)

 

 

 

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet:

 

 

 

1. DPMC-2020/21-1222 Summary of the Australian National Plan for Reopening

7/07/2021 2. DPMC-2021/22-66 Stocktake of Government Covid-19 Response 
System 30/07/2021 3. DPMC-2021/22-105 Additional Risk Mitigation Measures 
for Travellers from Indonesia and Fiji 5/08/2021 4. DPMC-2021/22-134

COVID-19 Related Reports of False Information to CERT NZ 11/08/2021 5.

DPMC-2020/21-1286 Tools and Measures used in Australia and Singapore to 
Manage COVID-19 13/08/2021 6. DPMC-2021/22-159 Review of Very High Risk

Countries: India, Pakistan, Brazil and Papua New Guinea 16/08/2021 7.

DPMC-2021/22-195 Alert Level Boundary Options for Consideration
18/08/2021  8. DPMC-2021/22-193 Increase in Funding for Covid-19 Response
Unit Due to

COVID-19 Resurgence, August 2021 18/08/2021

 

 

 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment:

 

 

 

1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper

10/08/2021 2. 2122-0541 Options to address demand on MIQ 20/08/2021 3.

2122-0670 Managed isolation and quarantine options for responding to the 
community outbreak 22/08/2021 4. 2122-0550 Allocation strategy options
for  high demand periods 25/08/2021 5. 2122-0706 Options for managing
severe  demand for MIQ space due to concurrent events 25/08/2021

 

6. 2122-0586 Additional MIQ facilities to address current demand

27/08/2021 MBIE

 

7. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases and impact on MIQ 
system 29/08/2021 8. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Ombudsman 30/08/2021"

 

 

 

The Office 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 Office will reply to your request by no
later  than 15 February 2022, earlier if possible.

 

 

 

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to 
review my decision to extend the time available to respond to your 
request.

 

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

 

[2][3]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel  Martin  Health  Private 
Secretary

 

Office of

Hon Chris

Hipkins   

 

Minister

for

COVID-19

Response |

Minister

of

Education

| Minister

for the

Public

Service |

Leader of

the House

 

Parliament

Buildings,

Private

Bag 18041,

Wellington

6160, New

Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

References

 

Visible links

 

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

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[4][FYI request #17877 email]

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[5]https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

 

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.

 

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

 

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

References

Visible links
2. file:///tmp/cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340
3. file:///tmp/cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340
4. mailto:[FYI request #17877 email]
5. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Harold

 

Apologies for the delay – please find the attached the documents
addressing the remainder of your request.

 

1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper
10/08/2021

2. 2122-0541 Longer term options to ‘dampen’ demand for MIQ spaces
20/08/2021

3. 2122-0550 Allocation options for upcoming period of very high demand
25/08/2021

4. 2122-0586 Commissioning of additional MIQ facilities 27/08/2021

5. 2122-0670 MIQ options for responding to the community outbreak
22/08/2021

6. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe demand for MIQ space due to
concurrent events 25/08/2021

7. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Chief Ombudsman 30/08/2021

8. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases from current Delta
outbreak, and impending decisions needed on future management 29/08/2021

 

 

The documents are being released in part to you, with some information
withheld under the following sections of the Act:

 

·       6(a) - to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or the
international relations of the Government of New Zealand

·       9(2)(a) – to protect the privacy of natural persons’

·       9(2)(b)(ii) - protect information where the making available of
the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial
position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the
information

·       9(2)(f)(iv) - maintain the constitutional conventions for the time
being which protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers of
the Crown and officials

·       9(2)(g)(ii) - maintain the effective conduct of public affairs
through the protection of such members of organisations, officers, and
employees from improper pressure or harassment

·       9(2)(g)(i) - maintain the effective conduct of public affairs
through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to
Ministers of the Crown or members of an organisation or officers and
employees of any public service agency or organisation in the course of
their duty

·       9(2)(h) – to maintain legal professional privilege

·       9(2)(j) - enable a Minister of the Crown or any public service
agency or organisation holding the information to carry on, without
prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations

·       9(2)(i) - enable a Minister of the Crown or any public service
agency or organisation holding the information to carry out, without
prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

 

By way of context, a continuing and pressing issue has been how to marry
the significant flow of people wanting to return across the New Zealand
border with the space in the MIQ system to accommodate them. The evolution
of the virus and its influence on the global environment has continuously
shaped the response from MIQ. By March 2022, the MIQ workforce had helped
almost 230,000 travellers — more than the population of Wellington —
return home and gave New Zealanders time to get vaccinated so the country
could confidently face COVID-19. From April – July 2021, there was a
period of low demand within MIQ. Following the outbreak of the Delta
variant, the suspension of Trans-Tasman Quarantine Free Travel, the
Afghanistan response, and the community outbreak, demand on MIQ
significantly increased. From August 2021, MIQ investigated what possible
options existed to either increase MIQ supply or respond to demand. You
have been provided with information that outlines this thinking.

 

However, limitations existed around increasing the capacity. There was a
very small number of suitable facilities that could meet Infection
Prevention and Control measures, provide adequate space and catering for
returnees, have enough health and security staff as well as being in
proximity to hospitals. As New Zealand has eased its border restrictions,
the need for MIQ has diminished. By the end of June 2022, MIQ will reduce
from 32 facilities to four facilities.

 

In regards to the paper MIQ meeting with the Chief Ombudsman, officials at
MBIE are working alongside the Ombudsman on a range of matters in relation
to MIQ.

 

The DPMC documents are refused under section 18(d) of the Act, as they
have been proactively released, or will be soon. For those that have been
released – please visit this website:
[1]https://covid19.govt.nz/about-our-covid-....

 

Thank you

 

 

Office of Hon Chris Hipkins
Minister for COVID-19 Response | Minister of Education | Minister of the
Public Service | Leader of the House
Parliament Buildings, Private Bag 18041, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

 

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

References

Visible links
1. https://covid19.govt.nz/about-our-covid-...

Thank you for your email.

 

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

 

General COVID-19 information and testing

All the latest COVID-19 information can be found at [1]covid19.govt.nz

For information on testing go
to [2]https://covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-trac...

You can also call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 for health advice and
information at any time.

 

Vaccination

To get your COVID-19 vaccination head
to [3]bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz or to the [4]Healthpoint website to
find a vaccination site near you.  

Getting your booster is as important as ever. Even if you aren’t due yours
yet, book it in now at the website above.

COVID-19 Protection Framework

The COVID-19 Protection Framework has been simplified. For information
about what to do at Orange go
to: [5]https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/l...

If you have questions about the traffic light system, you can [6]make an
enquiry here.    

 

We appreciate your patience. 

Thanks again.
Authorised by Chris Hipkins MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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

References

Visible links
1. https://covid19.govt.nz/
2. https://covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-trac...
3. https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz/
4. https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-v...
5. https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/l...
6. https://covid19.govt.nz/about-this-site/...

Kia ora Harold,

 

Thank you for your request for official information. The Minister's Office
reference number for your request is: CHOIA259.

 

Your request has been logged and you can expect a reply no later than 9
June 2022 as required under the Official Information Act 1982.

 

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

 

Ngā mihi,

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold [[2]mailto:[FOI #17877 email]]
Sent: Wednesday, 11 May 2022 1:54 PM
To: C Hipkins (MIN) <[3][Chris Hipkins request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information Act Response from Hon Chris Hipkins -
OIA0529

Dear Office of Chris Hipkins,

I'm emailing to follow up on my request of last December, for various
reports received by the minister relating to his Covid-19 portfolio
(CHOIA192). In your response letter of 15 February you advised me that 3
of the Ministry of Health reports I requested would not be released "as
the information requested will soon be publicly available." The 3 reports
are:

1) (22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller
Case 2021 (ref: 20211771)
2) (4-Nov) Changes to implement shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref:
20212389)
3) (18-Nov) Public health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref: 20212528)

Nearly 3 months on, it does not appear that these reports have been made
public on either the Ministry of Health or Unite Against Covid-19
websites.

Unless there is still a plan to release these documents proactively, I
would like to renew my request for copies of these documents to be
released under the OIA. If there is still a planned proactive release, I
would appreciate it if you could let me know when this is scheduled to
happen.

Yours sincerely,

Harold

-----Original Message-----

Kia ora Harold

 Apologies for the delay – please find the attached the documents 
addressing the remainder of your request.

 1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper
 10/08/2021

 2. 2122-0541 Longer term options to ‘dampen’ demand for MIQ spaces
 20/08/2021

 3. 2122-0550 Allocation options for upcoming period of very high demand
 25/08/2021

 4. 2122-0586 Commissioning of additional MIQ facilities 27/08/2021

 5. 2122-0670 MIQ options for responding to the community outbreak
 22/08/2021

 6. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe demand for MIQ space due to 
concurrent events 25/08/2021

 7. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Chief Ombudsman 30/08/2021

 8. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases from current Delta 
outbreak, and impending decisions needed on future management 29/08/2021

 The documents are being released in part to you, with some information 
withheld under the following sections of the Act:

 ·       6(a) - to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or
the  international relations of the Government of New Zealand

 ·       9(2)(a) – to protect the privacy of natural persons’

 ·       9(2)(b)(ii) - protect information where the making available of 
the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial 
position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the 
information

 ·       9(2)(f)(iv) - maintain the constitutional conventions for the
time  being which protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by
Ministers of  the Crown and officials

 ·       9(2)(g)(ii) - maintain the effective conduct of public affairs 
through the protection of such members of organisations, officers, and 
employees from improper pressure or harassment

 ·       9(2)(g)(i) - maintain the effective conduct of public affairs 
through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to 
Ministers of the Crown or members of an organisation or officers and 
employees of any public service agency or organisation in the course of 
their duty

 ·       9(2)(h) – to maintain legal professional privilege

 ·       9(2)(j) - enable a Minister of the Crown or any public service 
agency or organisation holding the information to carry on, without 
prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations

 ·       9(2)(i) - enable a Minister of the Crown or any public service 
agency or organisation holding the information to carry out, without 
prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

 By way of context, a continuing and pressing issue has been how to marry 
the significant flow of people wanting to return across the New Zealand 
border with the space in the MIQ system to accommodate them. The
evolution  of the virus and its influence on the global environment has
continuously  shaped the response from MIQ. By March 2022, the MIQ
workforce had helped  almost 230,000 travellers — more than the population
of Wellington —  return home and gave New Zealanders time to get
vaccinated so the country  could confidently face COVID-19. From April –
July 2021, there was a  period of low demand within MIQ. Following the
outbreak of the Delta  variant, the suspension of Trans-Tasman Quarantine
Free Travel, the  Afghanistan response, and the community outbreak, demand
on MIQ  significantly increased. From August 2021, MIQ investigated what
possible  options existed to either increase MIQ supply or respond to
demand. You  have been provided with information that outlines this
thinking.

 However, limitations existed around increasing the capacity. There was a 
very small number of suitable facilities that could meet Infection 
Prevention and Control measures, provide adequate space and catering for 
returnees, have enough health and security staff as well as being in 
proximity to hospitals. As New Zealand has eased its border restrictions, 
the need for MIQ has diminished. By the end of June 2022, MIQ will reduce 
from 32 facilities to four facilities.

 In regards to the paper MIQ meeting with the Chief Ombudsman, officials
at  MBIE are working alongside the Ombudsman on a range of matters in
relation  to MIQ.

 The DPMC documents are refused under section 18(d) of the Act, as they 
have been proactively released, or will be soon. For those that have been 
released – please visit this website:
 [1][4]https://covid19.govt.nz/about-our-covid-....

 Thank you

 Office of Hon Chris Hipkins
 Minister for COVID-19 Response | Minister of Education | Minister of the 
Public Service | Leader of the House  Parliament Buildings, Private Bag
18041, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

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

References

 Visible links
 1.
[5]https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[6][FOI #17877 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[7]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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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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References

Visible links
2. mailto:[FOI #17877 email]
3. mailto:[Chris Hipkins request email]
4. https://covid19.govt.nz/about-our-covid-...
5. https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...
6. mailto:[FOI #17877 email]
7. https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Harold,

 

Thank you for your request for official information, received on 12 May
2021 requesting copies of:

 

“1) (22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller
Case 2021 (ref: 20211771)

2) (4-Nov) Changes to implement shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref:
20212389)

3) (18-Nov) Public health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref:
20212528)”

 

The office 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 further consultation is required.

 

You can now expect a response to your request on, or before, 30 June 2021.

 

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to
review my decision to extend the time available to respond to your
request.

 

Ngâ mihi,

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

From: Daniel Martin
Sent: Thursday, 12 May 2022 8:39 AM
To: 'Harold' <[FYI request #17877 email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information Act Response from Hon Chris Hipkins -
OIA0529 (CHOIA259)

 

Kia ora Harold,

 

Thank you for your request for official information. The Minister's Office
reference number for your request is: CHOIA259.

 

Your request has been logged and you can expect a reply no later than 9
June 2022 as required under the Official Information Act 1982.

 

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

 

Ngâ mihi,

 

[2]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold [[3]mailto:[FYI request #17877 email]]
Sent: Wednesday, 11 May 2022 1:54 PM
To: C Hipkins (MIN) <[4][Chris Hipkins request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information Act Response from Hon Chris Hipkins -
OIA0529

Dear Office of Chris Hipkins,

I'm emailing to follow up on my request of last December, for various
reports received by the minister relating to his Covid-19 portfolio
(CHOIA192). In your response letter of 15 February you advised me that 3
of the Ministry of Health reports I requested would not be released "as
the information requested will soon be publicly available." The 3 reports
are:

1) (22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller
Case 2021 (ref: 20211771)
2) (4-Nov) Changes to implement shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref:
20212389)
3) (18-Nov) Public health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref: 20212528)

Nearly 3 months on, it does not appear that these reports have been made
public on either the Ministry of Health or Unite Against Covid-19
websites.

Unless there is still a plan to release these documents proactively, I
would like to renew my request for copies of these documents to be
released under the OIA. If there is still a planned proactive release, I
would appreciate it if you could let me know when this is scheduled to
happen.

Yours sincerely,

Harold

-----Original Message-----

Kia ora Harold

 Apologies for the delay – please find the attached the documents 
addressing the remainder of your request.

 1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper
 10/08/2021

 2. 2122-0541 Longer term options to ‘dampen’ demand for MIQ spaces
 20/08/2021

 3. 2122-0550 Allocation options for upcoming period of very high demand
 25/08/2021

 4. 2122-0586 Commissioning of additional MIQ facilities 27/08/2021

 5. 2122-0670 MIQ options for responding to the community outbreak
 22/08/2021

 6. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe demand for MIQ space due to 
concurrent events 25/08/2021

 7. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Chief Ombudsman 30/08/2021

 8. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases from current Delta 
outbreak, and impending decisions needed on future management 29/08/2021

 The documents are being released in part to you, with some information 
withheld under the following sections of the Act:

 ·       6(a) - to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or
the  international relations of the Government of New Zealand

 ·       9(2)(a) – to protect the privacy of natural persons’

 ·       9(2)(b)(ii) - protect information where the making available of 
the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial 
position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the 
information

 ·       9(2)(f)(iv) - maintain the constitutional conventions for the
time  being which protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by
Ministers of  the Crown and officials

 ·       9(2)(g)(ii) - maintain the effective conduct of public affairs 
through the protection of such members of organisations, officers, and 
employees from improper pressure or harassment

 ·       9(2)(g)(i) - maintain the effective conduct of public affairs 
through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to 
Ministers of the Crown or members of an organisation or officers and 
employees of any public service agency or organisation in the course of 
their duty

 ·       9(2)(h) – to maintain legal professional privilege

 ·       9(2)(j) - enable a Minister of the Crown or any public service 
agency or organisation holding the information to carry on, without 
prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations

 ·       9(2)(i) - enable a Minister of the Crown or any public service 
agency or organisation holding the information to carry out, without 
prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

 By way of context, a continuing and pressing issue has been how to marry 
the significant flow of people wanting to return across the New Zealand 
border with the space in the MIQ system to accommodate them. The
evolution  of the virus and its influence on the global environment has
continuously  shaped the response from MIQ. By March 2022, the MIQ
workforce had helped  almost 230,000 travellers — more than the population
of Wellington —  return home and gave New Zealanders time to get
vaccinated so the country  could confidently face COVID-19. From April –
July 2021, there was a  period of low demand within MIQ. Following the
outbreak of the Delta  variant, the suspension of Trans-Tasman Quarantine
Free Travel, the  Afghanistan response, and the community outbreak, demand
on MIQ  significantly increased. From August 2021, MIQ investigated what
possible  options existed to either increase MIQ supply or respond to
demand. You  have been provided with information that outlines this
thinking.

 However, limitations existed around increasing the capacity. There was a 
very small number of suitable facilities that could meet Infection 
Prevention and Control measures, provide adequate space and catering for 
returnees, have enough health and security staff as well as being in 
proximity to hospitals. As New Zealand has eased its border restrictions, 
the need for MIQ has diminished. By the end of June 2022, MIQ will reduce 
from 32 facilities to four facilities.

 In regards to the paper MIQ meeting with the Chief Ombudsman, officials
at  MBIE are working alongside the Ombudsman on a range of matters in
relation  to MIQ.

 The DPMC documents are refused under section 18(d) of the Act, as they 
have been proactively released, or will be soon. For those that have been 
released – please visit this website:
 [1][5]https://covid19.govt.nz/about-our-covid-....

 Thank you

 Office of Hon Chris Hipkins
 Minister for COVID-19 Response | Minister of Education | Minister of the 
Public Service | Leader of the House  Parliament Buildings, Private Bag
18041, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

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

References

 Visible links
 1.
[6]https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=15517&...

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[7][FYI request #17877 email]

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.
****************************************************************************

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

This e-mail message has been scanned for Viruses and Content and cleared
by the Ministry of Health's Content and Virus Filtering Gateway

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

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

References

Visible links
3. mailto:[FYI request #17877 email]
4. mailto:[Chris Hipkins request email]
5. https://covid19.govt.nz/about-our-covid-...
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From: UBS Investment Bank (London)
1 Golden Lane, London.
EC 1Y 0RR, United Kingdom.
The Operations Manager,

Do accept my sincere apologies if my mail does not meet your personal ethics, I also hope that you and your family are safe from the deadly covid 19 pandemics? I know that this mail will come to you as a surprise, but please do not be discouraged by my proposal.

However, this correspondence is unofficial and private and it should be treated as such. First, I would like to assure you that this transaction is 100% risk and trouble free for both of us. I am Mr. Gerald Johnson, the Operations Manager with the UBS Investment International Bank here in London. I am contacting you based on my personal interest in developing a mutual business relationship with you in your country, New Zealand. One of our accounts with a holding balance of GBP7,549,250.00 has been dormant for many years. Please I am asking for your partnership in re-profiling the funds. First of all, I would like to assure you that this transaction is 100% risk and trouble free for both parties.

This is the simple reason why i have contacted you, I understand that because of the way the world is right now, you might be jittery about my proposal, but remember as the saying goes " only those who make an attempt to start a journey, are only the ones that will know whether they complete the journey in the end or not ". I have not given you much details about this transaction as I just want to be sure that my message gets you. I solicit your assistance to execute this transaction which will be covered up by me with my status here in the bank. If you are interested to know more, please email me back so we can discuss more about this great business opportunity.

Yours Sincerely,
Gerald Johnson

Kia ora Harold,

 

Please find attached the Ministers response to your request for official
information.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

Daniel Martin

Health Private Secretary | Office of Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
 
Minister for COVID-19 Response

Minister of Research, Science and Innovation
Minister for Seniors

Associate Minister of Health  

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
   

 

 

 

 

From: Daniel Martin
Sent: Thursday, 9 June 2022 4:12 PM
To: 'Harold' <[FOI #17877 email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information Act Response from Hon Chris Hipkins -
OIA0529 (CHOIA259)

 

Kia ora Harold,

 

Thank you for your request for official information, received on 12 May
2021 requesting copies of:

 

“1) (22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller
Case 2021 (ref: 20211771)

2) (4-Nov) Changes to implement shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref:
20212389)

3) (18-Nov) Public health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref:
20212528)”

 

The office 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 further consultation is required.

 

You can now expect a response to your request on, or before, 30 June 2021.

 

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to
review my decision to extend the time available to respond to your
request.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

From: Daniel Martin
Sent: Thursday, 12 May 2022 8:39 AM
To: 'Harold' <[2][FOI #17877 email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information Act Response from Hon Chris Hipkins -
OIA0529 (CHOIA259)

 

Kia ora Harold,

 

Thank you for your request for official information. The Minister's Office
reference number for your request is: CHOIA259.

 

Your request has been logged and you can expect a reply no later than 9
June 2022 as required under the Official Information Act 1982.

 

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

 

Ngā mihi,

 

[3]cid:image001.jpg@01D433B3.8E157340 Daniel
Martin
Health
Private
Secretary

Office of
Hon Chris
Hipkins   

Minister
for
COVID-19
Response |
Minister
of
Education
| Minister
for the
Public
Service |
Leader of
the House

Parliament
Buildings,
Private
Bag 18041,
Wellington
6160, New
Zealand

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Harold [[4]mailto:[FOI #17877 email]]
Sent: Wednesday, 11 May 2022 1:54 PM
To: C Hipkins (MIN) <[5][Chris Hipkins request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information Act Response from Hon Chris Hipkins -
OIA0529

Dear Office of Chris Hipkins,

I'm emailing to follow up on my request of last December, for various
reports received by the minister relating to his Covid-19 portfolio
(CHOIA192). In your response letter of 15 February you advised me that 3
of the Ministry of Health reports I requested would not be released "as
the information requested will soon be publicly available." The 3 reports
are:

1) (22-Sep) Internal review of the June Sydney to Wellington Traveller
Case 2021 (ref: 20211771)
2) (4-Nov) Changes to implement shorter stay MIQ and self-isolation (ref:
20212389)
3) (18-Nov) Public health settings for medium-risk pathway (ref: 20212528)

Nearly 3 months on, it does not appear that these reports have been made
public on either the Ministry of Health or Unite Against Covid-19
websites.

Unless there is still a plan to release these documents proactively, I
would like to renew my request for copies of these documents to be
released under the OIA. If there is still a planned proactive release, I
would appreciate it if you could let me know when this is scheduled to
happen.

Yours sincerely,

Harold

-----Original Message-----

Kia ora Harold

 Apologies for the delay – please find the attached the documents 
addressing the remainder of your request.

 1. 2122-0483 Future MIQ Infrastructure - Strategic Discussion paper
 10/08/2021

 2. 2122-0541 Longer term options to ‘dampen’ demand for MIQ spaces
 20/08/2021

 3. 2122-0550 Allocation options for upcoming period of very high demand
 25/08/2021

 4. 2122-0586 Commissioning of additional MIQ facilities 27/08/2021

 5. 2122-0670 MIQ options for responding to the community outbreak
 22/08/2021

 6. 2122-0706 Options for managing severe demand for MIQ space due to 
concurrent events 25/08/2021

 7. 2122-0715 Meeting with the Chief Ombudsman 30/08/2021

 8. 2122-0742 NZ-003: Management of community cases from current Delta 
outbreak, and impending decisions needed on future management 29/08/2021

 The documents are being released in part to you, with some information 
withheld under the following sections of the Act:

 ·       6(a) - to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or
the  international relations of the Government of New Zealand

 ·       9(2)(a) – to protect the privacy of natural persons’

 ·       9(2)(b)(ii) - protect information where the making available of 
the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial 
position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the 
information

 ·       9(2)(f)(iv) - maintain the constitutional conventions for the
time  being which protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by
Ministers of  the Crown and officials

 ·       9(2)(g)(ii) - maintain the effective conduct of public affairs 
through the protection of such members of organisations, officers, and 
employees from improper pressure or harassment

 ·       9(2)(g)(i) - maintain the effective conduct of public affairs 
through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to 
Ministers of the Crown or members of an organisation or officers and 
employees of any public service agency or organisation in the course of 
their duty

 ·       9(2)(h) – to maintain legal professional privilege

 ·       9(2)(j) - enable a Minister of the Crown or any public service 
agency or organisation holding the information to carry on, without 
prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations

 ·       9(2)(i) - enable a Minister of the Crown or any public service 
agency or organisation holding the information to carry out, without 
prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

 By way of context, a continuing and pressing issue has been how to marry 
the significant flow of people wanting to return across the New Zealand 
border with the space in the MIQ system to accommodate them. The
evolution  of the virus and its influence on the global environment has
continuously  shaped the response from MIQ. By March 2022, the MIQ
workforce had helped  almost 230,000 travellers — more than the population
of Wellington —  return home and gave New Zealanders time to get
vaccinated so the country  could confidently face COVID-19. From April –
July 2021, there was a  period of low demand within MIQ. Following the
outbreak of the Delta  variant, the suspension of Trans-Tasman Quarantine
Free Travel, the  Afghanistan response, and the community outbreak, demand
on MIQ  significantly increased. From August 2021, MIQ investigated what
possible  options existed to either increase MIQ supply or respond to
demand. You  have been provided with information that outlines this
thinking.

 However, limitations existed around increasing the capacity. There was a 
very small number of suitable facilities that could meet Infection 
Prevention and Control measures, provide adequate space and catering for 
returnees, have enough health and security staff as well as being in 
proximity to hospitals. As New Zealand has eased its border restrictions, 
the need for MIQ has diminished. By the end of June 2022, MIQ will reduce 
from 32 facilities to four facilities.

 In regards to the paper MIQ meeting with the Chief Ombudsman, officials
at  MBIE are working alongside the Ombudsman on a range of matters in
relation  to MIQ.

 The DPMC documents are refused under section 18(d) of the Act, as they 
have been proactively released, or will be soon. For those that have been 
released – please visit this website:
 [1][6]https://covid19.govt.nz/about-our-covid-....

 Thank you

 Office of Hon Chris Hipkins
 Minister for COVID-19 Response | Minister of Education | Minister of the 
Public Service | Leader of the House  Parliament Buildings, Private Bag
18041, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

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