New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
22 September 2022
195 Lambton Quay
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
Sebastian
New Zealand
[FYI request #20017 email]
T +64 4 439 8000
F +64 4 472 9596
OIA 28201
Tēnā koe Sebastian
I refer to your email on 25 July 2022 in which you requested the following under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA):
This is a request for information relating to strategic assessments produced by MFAT.
The 2020 MFAT Annual Report refers to a strategic assessment completed in 2019 (p.5):
"In 2019 we completed the first of what will be three yearly strategic assessments."
The 2021 MFAT Annual Report refers to a strategic assessment on the topic of COVID-19
(p.48):
"A refresh of our strategic framework saw us adopt a new purpose statement and strategic
goals. This followed an extensive COVID-19-related strategic assessment, aimed at
informing the Government’s recovery objectives."
I would like to make a request for copies of:
ONE: The 2019 Strategic Assessment
TWO: The COVID-19-related strategic assessment referred to in the 2021 Annual Report
above
THREE: If the MFAT Strategic Policy Unit has produced any other strategic assessments
since the beginning of 2020, I would like to request a list of them, including the
assessment title and date of issue
On 17 August 2022, we released to you both the document titled “New Zealand’s Foreign Policy
2021-22: Toward Greater Resilience” and the document titled “COVID-19 – Foreign Policy Re-
engagement Strategy, 9 April 2020”, which covered parts two and three of your request.
Please find attached the final part (part one) of your request for the 2019 Strategic Assessment.
Thank you for your patience while we processed this part of your request.
We have withheld some information under the following sections of the OIA:
•
6(a): to avoid prejudicing the security or defence of New Zealand or the international
relations of the New Zealand Government;
•
6(b)(i): to protect the passing of information from another government on a confidential
basis;
e [MFAT request email]
w www.mfat.govt.nz
Page 2 of 2
•
9(2)(b)(ii): to avoid prejudice to the commercial position of another party; and
•
9(2)(g)(i): to protect the free and frank expression of opinions by departments.
Where the information has been withheld under section 9 of the OIA, we have identified no
public interest in releasing the information that would override the reasons for withholding it.
Please note that we may publish this letter (with your personal details redacted) and enclosed
documents 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
Sarah Corbett
for Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade