18 August 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:
[…] 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.
On 15 May 2023 I advised you of my decision to release in part information relevant to your
request, pending further necessary consultation. This consultation has now been undertaken.
Please find in Attachment A the information relevant to your request.
The relevant grounds under which information has been 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)(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.
Please note I am releasing two documents authored by TikTok representatives. These
documents were provided to DPMC in the context of a confidential relationship and process.
I am releasing these documents because, for the purposes of the OIA request, TikTok
representatives have waived confidentiality relating to the provision of these documents to
DPMC.
In making my decision, I have considered the public interest considerations in section 9(1) of
the Act. No public interest has been identified that would be sufficient to override the reasons
for withholding that information.
4750930
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
4750930
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