15 May 2023
R Coates
[FYI request #22038 email]
Ref: OIA-2022/23-0648
Dear R Coates
Official Information Act request relating to Correspondence with TikTok and
ByteDance regarding the Christchurch Call
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 8 March 2023.
You requested:
Please release to me all correspondence with TikTok or parent company ByteDance
regarding the Christchurch Call, specifically any communications to and from the
companies relating to involvement in or the activities of the Christchurch Call, and any
internal communications on considerations regarding their involvement.
I can advise that some correspondence has been identified as within scope of your request
for information to or from TikTok/ByteDance regarding the Christchurch Call. This information
will be released in part. The relevant grounds under which information will be withheld are:
• Section 6(a), to protect the security or defence of New Zealand or the international
relations of the Government of New Zealand
• section 9(2)(a), to protect the privacy of individuals
• section 9(2)(ba)(i), to protect the supply of similar information in the future
• section 9(2)(g)(i), to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free
and frank expression of opinion
• section 9(2)(j), to enable negotiations to be carried on without prejudice or
disadvantage.
Unfortunately, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet requires more time to
prepare the release of this information, to ensure that relevant parties have had an
opportunity to consider the content to be released. DPMC will endeavour to release the
relevant information to you as soon as practicable.
In making my decision, I have taken the public interest considerations in section 9(1) of the
Act into account.
4745474
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 817 9698 www.dpmc.govt.nz
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
Yours sincerely
Anneliese Parkin
Deputy Chief Executive, Policy
4745474
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