New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
20 March 2023
195 Lambton Quay
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
New Zealand
Mohammed Khan
T +64 4 439 8000
[FYI request #21591 email]
F +64 4 472 9596
OIA 28477
Tēnā koe Mohammed Khan
I refer to your email of 20 January 2023 in which you request the following under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA):
‘1) Are any American spies, openly operating in New Zealand at bases like the Waihopai
and Tangimoana spy bases, granted diplomatic status as Sacoolas was?
2) Have such spies been granted diplomatic status in the past?’
On 20 February 2023, the time frames for responding to your request were extended by 20
working days, due to the consultations necessary to make a decision on your request. Following
this extension we are now in a position to respond.
A list of all accredited foreign officials, along with their Diplomatic Title is published on the
Ministry of Foreign Afiars and Trade’s website:
www.mfat.govt.nz/en/embassies/. In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the New Zealand
Government expects all accredited diplomats to respect the laws and regulations of
New Zealand and seeks waivers of diplomatic immunity when New Zealand law has been
breached.
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
e [MFAT request email]
w www.mfat.govt.nz