29 September 2022
J Bruning
[FYI request #20604 email]
Reference: OIA-2022/23-0154
Dear J Bruning
Official Information Act request for the reasons to extend the special powers under an
Epidemic Notice
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act (the Act), received on
18 September 2022. You requested:
“Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 Renewal Notice (No 3) 2022.
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgazette.govt.nz%
2Fassets%2Fpdf-cache%2F2022%2F2022-sl3849.pdf%3F2022-09-
13_09%253A54%253A58%3D&data=05%7C01%7Cinformation%40dpmc.govt.nz%7C4
50ab8e4d95d41d1db3108da9930b2dd%7Ceea6053309ef4b7a94060f38551cc613%7C0
%7C0%7C637990732118449810%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjA
wMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C
&sdata=Q7057gwzfD9YbYMtnYsjqmMYJ%2BC0xm5gu0FrG4UsSZ0%3D&reserved=0
This Gazette notice dated 12th day of September 2022, extends the March 24, 2020
notice (the principal notice) here:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgazette.govt.nz%
2Fassets%2Fpdf-cache%2F2020%2F2020-go1368.pdf%3F2020-12-
17_22%253A55%253A25%3D&data=05%7C01%7Cinformation%40dpmc.govt.nz%7C4
50ab8e4d95d41d1db3108da9930b2dd%7Ceea6053309ef4b7a94060f38551cc613%7C0
%7C0%7C637990732118449810%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjA
wMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C
&sdata=vtVnUcOP0uVi0m9pe74emqyz0BJmrVam5q2Yr79Grhg%3D&reserved=0
In Gazette notice you state that you are:
'satisfied that the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 are likely to continue to disrupt
essential governmental and business activity in New Zealand significantly'
The Ministry of Health states: 'An Epidemic Notice is a public policy tool to help
Government agencies respond swiftly and effectively in a rapidly evolving situation. An
epidemic notice enables the use of a number of ‘special powers’ in legislation.'
Please supply all evidence you relied on, and the reasons for your decision in extending
the powers put in place March 24, 2020.”
I believe that the information you have requested is more closely connected with the functions
of the Ministry of Health (the Ministry). Accordingly, I have decided under section 14(b)(ii) of
the Act to transfer your request to the Ministry.
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
4629654
64 4 817 9700 Facsimile 64 4 472 3181 www.dpmc.govt.nz
The Ministry of Health has the usual timeframes under the Act from receipt of this transfer to
make a decision on your request.
Yours sincerely
Margaret Noonan
Team Leader Ministerial Services
4629654
2
