30 March 2023
Scott
[FYI request #20670 email]
Ref: OIA-2022/23-0177
Dear Scott
Official Information Act request for documents related to the ODESC, NCMC and NSG
responses to the Christchurch terror attacks
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 27 September
2022. You requested:
I would like to make a request for documents relating to the ODESC, National Crisis
Management Centre and National Security Group responses to the 2019 Christchurch
terror attacks and memorial service (Operation Deans and Operation Unity). I would
like to request copies of:
ONE: The agenda, minutes and action points for all ODESC meetings for Operations
Deans and Unity, dated between 15 March and 3 April 2019.
TWO: A list of all documents submitted or tabled at these meetings, including the title,
agency of origin and date submitted or tabled.
THREE: All ODESC notes prepared for the Prime Minister on the topics of Operations
Deans and Unity, dated between 15 March and 3 April 2019.
FOUR: The agenda, minutes and action points for all meetings of the Operations
Deans and Unity ODESC Watch Groups, dated 15 March to 3 April 2019.
FIVE: All reports submitted to ODESC by the Operations Deans and Unity ODESC
Watch Groups, dated 15 March to 3 April 2019.
SIX: All National Crisis Management Centre situation reports and intelligence
summaries produced for Operations Deans and Unity, dated 15 March to 3 April 2019.
SEVEN: The report-back of the National Security Group to the Security Intelligence
Board and Prime Minister on the topic of the implementation of the recommendations
of the Post Operation Deans National Security System Review (June 2019), which was
scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.“”
I wrote to you in October 2022 advising that I needed longer to complete your request due to
the volume of information to search and the need to undertake consultations. I wrote further
in December 2022 to advise that our response was delayed due to the volume of material
identified as in scope and the nature of the consultations required. I am writing to apologise
for the further delay in finalising a decision on this matter. Consultations have taken longer
than anticipated.
4716737
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 817 9698 www.dpmc.govt.nz
I can advise that any release of the requested information that includes the ODESC minutes
from the events of March 15, have not previously been released in any format. As such we
consider it necessary to ensure the affected community is aware of this release prior to
making a decision.
We anticipate that a decision will be communicated on your request soon. Again I regret the
delay in providing a response, and assure you that DPMC is endeavouring to provide a
response as soon as practicable.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my response under
section 28(3) of the Act.
Yours sincerely
Tony Lynch
Deputy Chief Executive
National Security Group
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