New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
5 July 2023
195 Lambton Quay
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
New Zealand
Jason Gooch
T +64 4 439 8000
[FYI request #23202 email]
F +64 4 472 9596
OIA 28693
Tēnā koe Jason Gooch
I refer to your email of 20 June 2023 in which you request the following under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA):
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen with a strong interest in matters pertaining to
national security and the unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP).
I specifically seek information regarding the Five Eyes Foreign Material Recovery Program
(FMP) in relation to UAP. The Five Eyes alliance, which includes New Zealand, has long
been known for its collaborative efforts in intelligence sharing and addressing global
security challenges. As such, I believe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade may
possess valuable information concerning the collection, analysis, and evaluation of foreign
materials related to UAP incidents.
To facilitate the OIA request, I kindly request the following information:
Any documents, reports, or memos related to the Five Eyes Foreign Material Recovery
Program (FMP) with a specific focus on UAP.
Information on the objectives, scope, and operational aspects of the FMP in relation to
UAP.
Any assessments, studies, or analyses conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade regarding recovered foreign materials associated with UAP.
Any communication or correspondence between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
and other Five Eyes alliance members regarding the FMP and UAP.
Any records of encounters with UAP, including incident reports, witness testimonies, and
analysis of potential national security threats.
I understand that certain aspects of the requested information may be classified or
sensitive due to the nature of the subject matter. However, I trust that the New Zealand
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will undertake a careful review of the requested
material, with due consideration given to the principles of transparency and public interest.
Your request for information is refused under section 18(e) of the OIA, as the information you
have requested does not exist.
Please note that we may publish this letter (with your personal details redacted) and enclosed
documents on the Ministry’s website.
e [MFAT request email]
w www.mfat.govt.nz
Page 2 of 2
If you have any questions about this decision, you can contact us by email at:
[email address]. You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman of this decision by contacting www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone
0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Sarah Corbett
for Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade
