RAMs and other documentation re: Abbey Caves trip

Mal Robertson made this Official Information request to Whangarei Boys' High School

Response to this request is long overdue. By law Whangarei Boys' High School should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.

From: Mal Robertson

Dear Whangarei Boys' High School,

I am requesting a copy of any and all safety-related information regarding preparations for the school trip to Abbey Caves in May 2023. This includes RAMs forms and any discussion regarding the decision to proceed with the trip on the day.

I am not requesting any post-trip information, just information created before the trip to Abbey Caves begun. I want to see the procedure that was followed, from planning the trip to embarking on the trip, with regards to health and safety.

Yours faithfully,
Mal

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From: Mal Robertson

Dear Whangarei Boys' High School,

A friendly reminder that your response is required by law tomorrow.

Yours faithfully,

Mal Robertson

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From: Karen Gilbert-Smith
Whangarei Boys' High School

Dear Mal,

 

We have treated your request as a request under the Official Information
Act 1982 addressed to the Board of Trustees Whangarei Boys High School.

 

Our responses to your request is as follows:

 

At present there is an investigation by WorkSafe and an inquiry by the
Coroner ongoing arising from the tragic events that occurred at Abbey
Caves on 9 May 2023. The investigation and the inquiry will cover events
that occurred before the 9 May trip as well as what happened on the day
itself.

 

This is why we are unable to provide this information at this time.
Whangarei Boys' High School has good reason to withhold information where
the making available of the information would likely prejudice the
WorkSafe investigation and/or the Coronial inquiry (s6(c), OIA). 

 

In addition, it is necessary to withhold some of the information
responsive to this request  in order to protect the privacy of individuals
(s9(2)(a), OIA).

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available
at [1]https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

 

Ngā mihi 

Karen Gilbert-Smith

Principal

Whangārei Boys' High School

245 Western Hills Drive, The Avenues, Whangārei |  PO Box 5034, Whangārei
0140

P 09 430 4173  |  MOB 0272024211  |  [2]wbhs.school.nz

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References

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2. http://wbhs.school.nz/

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From: Mal Robertson

Dear Karen Gilbert-Smith,

This is not acceptable. The release of these public documents will in no way prejudice any investigation as surely these documents must be released to any persons investigating this matter.

Further, there is no reason whatsoever for you to claim that releasing these documents will impact upon any investigation in any way.

My request for information still stands and is now overdue.

Yours sincerely,

Mal Robertson

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From: Karen Gilbert-Smith
Whangarei Boys' High School

Dear Mal,  you have the right to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is
available
 at [1][1]https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url...
freephone 0800 802 602.

Ngā mihi 

Karen Gilbert-Smith

Principal

Whangārei Boys' High School

245 Western Hills Drive, The Avenues, Whangārei |  PO Box 5034, Whangārei
0140

P 09 430 4173  |  MOB 0272024211  |  [2]wbhs.school.nz

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From: Karen Gilbert-Smith
Whangarei Boys' High School


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Kia ora Mal, I refer to the information below provided by the Ombudsman. I
apologise that we never received the following request from you. 
‘I would like a copy of any and all communications between members of the
Board of Trustees and the NZ School Trustees Association regarding last
month's fatal excursion.

I am particularly interested in any correspondence relating to
communication about the incident including how to respond to OIA requests,
but all relevant information would be appreciated’
I can confirm that we did not receive any advice from NZSTA in relation to
the tragedy at Abbey Caves. Again please accept my apology for this
delayed response. 

Ngā mihi 

Karen Gilbert-Smith

Principal

Whangārei Boys' High School

245 Western Hills Drive, The Avenues, Whangārei |  PO Box 5034, Whangārei
0140

P 09 430 4173  |  MOB 0272024211  |  [1]wbhs.school.nz

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From: Mal Robertson

Dear Karen Gilbert-Smith,

My request was for correspondence not advice, and if you are not releasing information I ask that you state clearly the grounds for not doing so with reference to the legislation.

Yours sincerely,

Mal Robertson

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From: Karen Gilbert-Smith
Whangarei Boys' High School

Mal, there was no communication between NZSTA and the Board. I am not
withholding information there is simply none to give. 

Ngā mihi 

Karen Gilbert-Smith

Principal

Whangārei Boys' High School

245 Western Hills Drive, The Avenues, Whangārei |  PO Box 5034, Whangārei
0140

P 09 430 4173  |  MOB 0272024211  |  [1]wbhs.school.nz

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Things to do with this request

Anyone:
Whangarei Boys' High School only: