27 January 2022
Ryan Bullock
[FYI request #18074 email]
Reference: OIA-2021/22-0803
Dear Ryan Bullock
Official Information Act request relating to censorship and interactions with media
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act (the Act), received on 31
December 2021. You requested:
1. Can you list, and describe in detail ALL interactions with traditional media, social
media, search provider and other external parties with regard to content either under
production or published already.
2. Can you detail how the government discovers, tracks and classifies content online
and via TV, radio.
3. Can you provide detail about the budget spent per year on these associated
activities.
4. Can you provide all correspondence between the PM and Jessica Mutch McKay and
Tova O'Brien.
The classification of content is a function that is shared between the Classification Office (CO)
and the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA). The CO classifies online content, while the
BSA sets the standards for broadcasters to classify their content.
I believe that question two of your request is more closely connected to the functions of the
CO and the BSA. Accordingly, I have decided under section 14(b)(ii) of the Act to transfer this
part of your request to the CO and the BSA for response. I am also partially transferring
question three of your request for information, where it relates to the functions of the CO and
the BSA.
Additionally, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet does not hold information
relating to question four of your request. However, I believe this information is held by the
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and accordingly, I have decided under section 14(b)(i) of the
Act to transfer this part of your request to PMO.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will continue to provide you with a response
on parts one and three of your request. The date that a decision on our response is due is still
14 February 2022.
The CO, BSA, and PMO have the usual timeframes under the Act from receipt of this transfer
to make a decision on your request.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Corbett
Manager, Ministerial and Business Services
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
4481738
64 4 817 9700 Facsimile 64 4 472 3181 www.dpmc.govt.nz