28 September 2023
John Miller
By email
: [FYI request #23776 email]
Tēnā koe John
I refer to your information request dated 10 August 2023 made under the Official Information Act
1982 (the Act). You have requested:
“Was a student interviewed by University staff after being escorted from their home by Police
on the 4th of August, 2023?
If so, please specify the purpose of the interview, and which members of staff were present.
Please also provide any communications & documents the University holds regarding the
interview.”
We note that on 7 September 2023, we extended the time limit by which we must make a decision on
your request of 10 August 2023, to 28 September 2023.
Our response to your request:
We note that a student was interviewed on 4 August 2023 on campus at the Proctor’s Office in
conjunction with the New Zealand Police. The purpose of the interview was to gather information in
relation to a protest held in the Otago Business School on 1 August 2023. The Deputy Proctor and
Campus Constable were present during the interview.
The University does not hold any communications or documents regarding the interview. On that
basis, we decline this part of your request pursuant to section 18(e) of the Act on the basis that the
information requested does not exist. However, for completeness, we note that an entry was
recorded in the Proctor’s Office database, which noted that the interview took place.
If you are not satisfied with our response to your information request, section 28(3) of the Act
provides you with the right to ask an Ombudsman to investigate and review this response. However,
we would welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns with you first.
Yours sincerely
Kelsey Kennard
Official Information and Compliance Coordinator
Office of the Registrar