26 May 2023
Al Johnson
[FYI request #22808 email]
Ref: OIA-2022/23-0915
Dear Al Johnson
Official Information Act request for the release of report related to disinformation
issues facing Māori
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 15 May 2023.
You requested:
This OIA:
https://fyi.org.nz/request/21371/response/82258/attach/5/Release%20document.pdf
Asked for 2 landscape reports and a deep dive report that were provided to DPMC
under a contract with the Disinformation Project.
The response gives a variety of contractual information and the 2 landscape reports.
Several elements were withheld, including it looks like the deep dive/out of cycle report
which is referenced in the released contract as "Disinformation Issues facing Maori"
along with covering emails that accompanied it.
Request:
1.
Now that more time has passed - can that report please be released that was withheld
in that OIA?
2.
Could you please confirm if any further reports not included in those above 3
references have been commissioned (delivered or undelivered) from the Disinformation
Project.
Regarding part one of your request, I can advise that a re-assessment of this document has
been undertaken and I am able to release the report titled ‘Differential experiences of the
pandemic, the infodemic, and information disorders – disinformation impacts for Māori’ in
part with some information withheld under the following section of the Act:
• section 9(2)(g)(ii), to prevent improper pressure or harassment
Regarding part two of your request, I can confirm that beyond the above report and the two
reports titled ‘Reporting of Online Harms and Threats against the COVID-19 Response’ the
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has not commissioned any further reports
from The Disinformation Project.
4750642
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 817 9698 www.dpmc.govt.nz
I can, however, advise that The Disinformation Project has voluntarily, and not at DPMC’s
request, provided copies of additional reports. These voluntary reports have not influenced or
contributed to any workstream within DPMC.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
This response may be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s
website during our regular publication cycle. Typically, information is released monthly, or as
otherwise determined. Your personal information including name and contact details will be
removed for publication.
Yours sincerely
pp
Tony Lynch
Deputy Chief Executive
National Security Group
4750642
2