Tēnā koe Andrew,

I am writing concerning your OIA request below. This email is to advise that we will need to extend the time limit for responding to you by 30 working days, to 23 June 2022. This is because consultations necessary to make a decision on your request are such that a proper response cannot reasonably be made within the original time frame (section 15A(1)(a) of the OIA refers).

However, if this process is completed before 23 June 2022, the response will be sent to you as soon as possible.

Please also be advised that the organisational impacts of implementing the COVID-19 Protection Framework, together with the Ministry’s leadership of the Government's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, mean that we may have reduced capacity to process OIA requests. We will do our best to make decisions on your OIA request as soon as practicably possible, and to keep you informed of progress if there are likely to be delays.

For your information, the Chief Ombudsman has published updated guidance on OIA requests during this time:

If you have any questions, you can contact us by email at: DM‑[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.

Ngā mihi

Executive Services Division
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade | Manatū Aorere

195 Lambton Quay, Private Bag 18901, Wellington 5045, New Zealand