New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
31 March 2022
195 Lambton Quay
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
New Zealand
Adam Irish
T +64 4 439 8000
[FYI request #18905 email]
F +64 4 472 9596
OIA 27963
Tēnā koe Adam Irish
I refer to your email of 17 March 2022 in which you request the following under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA):
I request under the Official Information Act if New Zealand is exploring alternative and
additional formal defence agreements with partner democratic countries, such as a new
form of the old Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not hold information about New Zealand exploring
further defence agreements, such as a new form of SEATO. Therefore, we are refusing your
request under section 18(e) of the OIA because the document alleged to contain the information
requested does not exist.
Please note that we may publish this letter (with your personal details redacted) on the Ministry’s
website.
If you have any questions about this decision, you can contact us by email at:
[email address]. You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman of this decision by contacting www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone
0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Julie-Anne Lee
for Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade
e [MFAT request email]
w www.mfat.govt.nz