16 March 2023
Richard Young
[FYI request #22103 email]
Ref: OIA-12231
Dear Richard
Request made under the Official Information Act 1982
Thank you for your email of 14 March 2023 requesting the following information under the
Official Information Act 1982 (the Act):
I note that in OIA 10175 in June 2022 that four sections of Attachment 1 were
redacted under 9(2)(g)(i) of the OIA (Free and frank opinions).
On reading the remainder of the memo (dated 18/2/22) it seems unlikely that the
subject matter of four redacted sections would qualify under the Ombudsman's
interpretation of free and frank opinions.
(https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ombuds
man.parliament.nz%2Fresources%2Ffree-and-frank-opinions-guide-section-92gi-oia-
and-section-72fi-
lgoima&data=05%7C01%7Cofficial.correspondence%40nzta.govt.nz%7C6b1539ff39
114ba6448508db242d7ae8%7C7245e48ca9ff4b2898ef05cfa8edb518%7C0%7C0%7
C638143549981645499%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAi
LCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sd
ata=v96Ps%2B7bcj9zYNWw3Tqbj0zvpLGh80oyFrY%2B6I5hClE%3D&reserved=0).
Therefore - as a matter of urgency - please can you review that memo and, if the
redactions are not consistent with the OIA, release the full Memo.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has reviewed the Memo titled
Auckland Harbour Bridge
shared path safety assessment, 18 February 2022 and removed the second and third
redactions on page 3. However, we consider that he remaining redactions on pages 3 and 6
must remain and the information should continue to be withheld under section 9(2)(g)(i) of the
Act to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of
opinions.
With respect to the information that has been withheld, I do not consider there are any other
factors which would render it desirable, in the public interest, to make the information
available.
Under section 28 of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision
to refuse some of the information. The contact details for the Ombudsman can be located at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.
If you would like to discuss this reply with Waka Kotahi, please contact Ministerial Services by
email to [NZTA request email].
Yours sincerely
Leisa Coley
Senior Manager Government
