24 August 2022
Harold
[FYI request #19609 email]
Ref: OIA-2021/22-1545
Dear Harold
Official Information Act request for copies of documents relating to the COVID-19
interagency disinformation and online harms group
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 27 July 2022.
You requested:
“…ONE: The minutes, agenda and action points for all meetings of the COVID 19
interagency disinformation and online harms group held since the beginning of April
2022
TWO: If the standing agenda for this group has gone through any updates since the
beginning of April 2022 I would like to request all versions of the standing agenda
produced during this period
THREE: If DPMC produced any submissions, presentations or other items that were
tabled or presented for 14 February 2022 alternate agenda item 3 (“Strategic view of
disinformation landscape”) then I would like to request a copies of these documents
FOUR: I would like to request a copy of the “Working Group Terms of Reference”
referred to in the 14 February 2022 alternate agenda (item 4)
FIVE: I would like to request a copy of the “Landscape Report” Request for Proposal
and any other RFx documentation produced for the procurement of this “Landscape
Report” (14 February 2022 alternate agenda item 5)
SIX: If the procurement of this “Landscape Report” has been awarded I would like to
request the identity of the organisation it was awarded to
SEVEN: If the “Landscape Report” has been completed I would like to request a copy
of it
EIGHT: I would like to request a copy of the “Work Plan (6 month goals)” referred to in
the 14 February 2022 alternate agenda (item 8)
NINE: If any other “Work Plans” for the group have been produced since the one
referred to in 14 February 2022 alternate agenda item 8, I would like to request copies
of all these more recent work plans as well
TEN: I would like to request copies of any submissions, presentations or other items
produced by the National Security Group that were tabled or presented for 24 March
2022 alternate agenda item 5c (“Quick fire updates… Disinformation wider landscape
(NSG )”)…”
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
4600537
64 4 817 9698 www.dpmc.govt.nz
I have decided under section 15A of the Act to extend the time limits for deciding on your
request by an additional 30 working days. Consequently, the extended due date for your
response will be 5 October 2022.
The extension is required because of the consultations needed to make a decision on your
request. Despite the extension, a response will be sent to you as soon as possible.
However, I am able to respond to some parts of your request which I will do in turn.
1. The minutes, agenda and action points for all meetings of the COVID 19 interagency
disinformation and online harms group held since the beginning of April 2022
As advised in our response dated 26 July 2022, no meeting minutes exist, therefore I am
declining this part of your request under section 18(e) of the Act, as the document alleged to
contain the information requested does not exist.
I have decided to release the group’s agenda for the period April 2022 – July 2022, subject to
information being withheld under section 9(2)(a) of the Act, to protect the privacy of
individuals.
I can confirm that action points exist. However, more time is required for necessary
consultations to make a decision on this part of your request.
2. If the standing agenda for this group has gone through any updates since the
beginning of April 2022 I would like to request all versions of the standing agenda
produced during this period
I can confirm that the standing agenda released to you in full has not been updated.
3. If DPMC produced any submissions, presentations or other items that were tabled
or presented for 14 February 2022 alternate agenda item 3 (“Strategic view of
disinformation landscape”) then I would like to request a copies of these documents.
I can confirm that this was an informal oral item, and no documents were tabled or
presented. Therefore I am refusing this part of your request under section 18(e) of the Act, as
outlined above.
4. I would like to request a copy of the “Working Group Terms of Reference” referred
to in the 14 February 2022 alternate agenda (item 4)
As advised in our response dated 18 July 2022, only an early draft terms of reference exist.
These are therefore withheld in full under s9(2)(g)(i) of the Act, to maintain the effective
conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinion.
6. I would like to request a copy of the “Landscape Report” Request for Proposal and
any other RFx documentation produced for the procurement of this “Landscape
Report” (14 February 2022 alternate agenda item 5)
I can confirm that information exists within scope. However, more time is required for
necessary consultations to make a decision on this part of your request.
7. If the “Landscape Report” has been completed I would like to request a copy of it
I can confirm that information exists within scope. However, more time is required for
necessary consultations to make a decision on this part of your request.
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8. I would like to request a copy of the “Work Plan (6 month goals)” referred to in the
14 February 2022 alternate agenda (item 8)
I can confirm that information exists within scope. However, more time is required for
necessary consultations to make a decision on this part of your request.
9. If any other “Work Plans” for the group have been produced since the one referred
to in 14 February 2022 alternate agenda item 8, I would like to request copies of all
these more recent work plans as well.
More time is required to determine whether information exists before I can make a decision
on this part of your request.
10. I would like to request copies of any submissions, presentations or other items
produced by the National Security Group that were tabled or presented for 24 March
2022 alternate agenda item 5c (“Quick fire updates… Disinformation wider landscape
(NSG )
This was an informal oral item, and no documents were tabled or presented. Therefore, I am
refusing this part of your request under section 18(e) of the Act, as outlined above
In making my decision, I have taken the public interest considerations in section 9(1) of the
Act into account.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
This response will be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s
website during our regular publication cycle. Typically, information is released monthly, or as
otherwise determined. Your personal information including name and contact details will be
removed for publication.
Yours sincerely
Tony Lynch
Deputy Chief Executive
National Security Group
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