27 April 2023
John Luke
[FYI request #22174 email]
Dear John Luke
Thank you for your email of 21 March 2023 requesting a copy of the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) signed by agribusiness leaders. Your request has been
considered under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).
This agreement is released to you as Appendix One. Some information has been
withheld pursuant to the following sections of the OIA:
Section 9(2)(g)(ii) –
to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the
protection of such Ministers, members of organisations, officers, and employees
from improper pressure or harassment
Section 9(2)(j) –
to enable a Minister of the Crown or any department or
organisation holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or
disadvantage, negotiations, (including commercial and industrial negotiations).
The MOU has been superseded by the CCA Joint Ventures Shareholders Agreement
(Agreement) which was signed on 19 December 2022. A copy of the Agreement is
attached in Appendix Two. Some information has been withheld pursuant to the
following sections of the OIA:
Section 9(2)(g)(i) –
to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the
free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to Ministers of the Crown
or members of an organisation or officers and employees of any department or
organisation in the course of their duty.
Section 9(2)(g)(ii) –
to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the
protection of such Ministers, members of organisations, officers, and employees
from improper pressure or harassment
Section 9(2)(j) –
to enable a Minister of the Crown or any department or
organisation holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or
disadvantage, negotiations, (including commercial and industrial negotiations).
I am satisfied that in the circumstances of this case, the withholding of the information
is not outweighed by other considerations which render it desirable in the public
interest to make the information available.
I trust the information provided is of assistance. You are advised of your right to raise
any concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman. Contact details are: Office of the
Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143 or
at [email address]. Yours sincerely
Hon Damien O’Connor
Minister of Agriculture