24 August 2022
Scott
[FYI request #20057 email]
Ref: OIA-2021/22-1548
Dear Scott
Official Information Act request relating to the DPMC Emerging Technologies Working
Group
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request, received on 28 July 2022,
regarding the Emerging Technologies Working Group referred to on page five of the Cabinet
Paper
Autonomous weapons systems: New Zealand policy position and approach for
international engagement. You requested:
1) a copy of the terms of reference and operating protocol for this group
2) the date that this group was established and how frequently it meets; and,
3) unless this is included in the terms of reference, what agencies or organisations
are included in the group’s membership
The Emerging Technology Policy Working Group was established in April 2021. It meets
approximately once every 6-8 weeks to develop a holistic policy framework for managing the
national security risks and opportunities associated with emerging technology within the New
Zealand context.
Attached is a copy of the
Draft Terms of Reference which I am releasing to you in full. These
remain under review to account for progress in the Group’s work as it develops its approach
to emerging technology, including how its areas of focus are framed. This enables the
working Group’s tasks and direction to pivot as necessary to address priority issues as part
of its work programme.
In response to the remainder of your request not covered by the release of this information, I
can confirm that no operating protocol exists. Therefore, I am refusing that part of your
request under section 18(e) of the Act as the document alleged to contain the information
requested does not exist or, despite reasonable efforts to locate it, cannot be found, and that
the membership of the emerging technologies working group is contained on page three of
the released
Draft Terms of Reference. You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
We do not intend to publish this response on the Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet’s website.
Yours sincerely
Tony Lynch
Deputy Chief Executive
National Security Group
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
4598007
64 4 817 9698 www.dpmc.govt.nz