07 September 2022
C156745
Harry Peterson
[FYI request #19806 email]
Tēnā koe Harry
I refer to your request received 2 July 2022, by the Department of Prime Minister and
Cabinet (DPMC), which you refined on 25 July 2022, requesting information about health
and infrastructure spending decisions in Whangārei since October 2017. As your request
more closely relates to the functions of the Department of Corrections – Ara Poutama
Aotearoa, it was transferred to Corrections from DPMC on 24 August 2022 in accordance
with section 14 of the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Your request has been
considered under the OIA.
You requested:
“All documents and Cabinet papers mentioning Whangārei in relation to
infrastructure and health funding decisions from the date beginning October 2017.”
Corrections has not funded infrastructure within the Whangārei district since October 2017.
Therefore, your request is refused in accordance with section 18(e) of the OIA, as the
information requested does not exist.
As per section 18B of the OIA, we have considered whether consulting with you would
enable the request to be made in a form that would remove the reason for the refusal.
However, we do not consider that the request can be refined in this instance, as your
request is specific, but the information does not exist.
Furthermore, there have been no health funding decisions specific to the Whangārei district
since October 2017. However, given the wide scope of your request, Corrections does fund
Community Residential Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) programmes that are delivered in
Whangārei. The funding for these programmes do not require Ministerial or Cabinet
approval and are considered out of scope of your request. If you wish to know more about
Corrections AOD programmes, you can view our AOD strat
egy here.
Corrections proactively releases its Cabinet papers and related material on our website
here.
NATIONAL OFFICE, WELLINGTON
Mayfair House, 44 – 52 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Private Box 1206, Wellington 6140,
Phone +64 4 460 3000
www.corrections.govt.nz
2
Please note that this response may be published on Corrections’ website. Typically,
responses are published quarterly, or as otherwise determined. Your personal information
including name and contact details will be removed for publication.
I trust the information provided is of assistance. I encourage you to raise any concerns
about this response with Corrections. Alternatively, you are advised of your right to also
raise any concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman. Contact details are: Office of the
Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.
Ngā mihi
Matt Huddleston
Manager Ministerial Services (acting)
People and Capability
