This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Reestablishing SEATO'.



 
 
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