CABINET OFFICE
17 March 2022
Chuck Schooner
fyi-request-18587-91 [email address]
Ref: OIA-2021/22-1004
Tena koe Chuck Schooner
Official Information Act request: PM or Ministers using personal email accounts
Thank you for your Official Information Act request received on 17 February 2022. You
requested:
"Is the Department of Prime Minister and cabinet aware of either the PM or
Ministers using private emails, communication devices to conduct official
government business or communications with entities relating to government
business.
What are rules, procedures, audits in place to ensure that this is not
occuring?"
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet does not hold information on 'the
Prime Minister or Ministers using private emails, communication devices to conduct
official government business or communications with entities relating to government
business'. I therefore decline this part of your request under section 18(g) of the Act
where the information is not held by the Department.
There are no specific rules prohibiting the use of personal email or communication
devices for ministerial correspondence. Ministers have obligations in relation to
information they create or receive as a Minister that apply re�Iardless of the platform or
forum used to communicate at any given time, including ensuring information is protected
from unauthorised use and disclosure, that timely responses can be made to requests
for access to that information, and that accurate records can be preserved of ministerial
decision-making.
Chapter 8 of the Cabinet Manual contains guidance on Ministers' responsibilities around
official information and management of their records. Under paragraph 8.25 of the
Cabinet Manual, Ministers are expected to always be clear about the capacity in which
they are creating or using information. When creating or receiving information in their
official capacity, Ministers must have systems in place to ensure this information is
managed appropriately.
4492185
DEPARTMENT
OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
Te Tari o le Pirimia me le Komiti IVlatua
Parliament 13uildings. Wellington 6011. New Zealand. Telephone: +6-� (-1) 830 5010.
Email: [email address] www.dp111c.govt.nz