133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
Rohan Lloyd
By email: [FYI request #24946 email]
Ref:
H2024035145
Tēnā koe Rohan
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your follow up request under the Of icial Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the
Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) on 23 January 2024 for information regarding
your previous request (ref H2023033269). You asked:
“I would like to clarify that my request was not asking for the number of "approved
applications", but the number of "applications" to be an "Approved Smoked Tobacco
Retailer" i.e. the number of applications received as per:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/smoked-
tobacco-products/information-retailers-smoked-tobacco/approved-smoked-tobacco-
retailer-application-process
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/smoked-
tobacco-products/information-retailers-smoked-tobacco/approved-smoked-tobacco-
retailer-application-process”
The Ministry of Health received 1,373 applications via the Tobacco Regulatory Authority
between 21 September 2023, when the applications opened, and 1 December 2023 when
applications to the Approved Smoked Tobacco Retail scheme were suspended. Please note,
186 of the 1,373 applications were later withdrawn by the applicants.
It is also important to note that the application process to become an approved retailer was in 2
parts. Not all 1,373 applicants completed both parts and paid the application fee.
I trust this information fulfils your request. If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with
us, including this decision, please feel free to contact the OIA Services Team on:
[email address].
Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any
decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Manatū Hauora website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-
official-information-act-requests.
Nāku noa, nā
Dr Andrew Old
Deputy Director-General
Public Health Agency | Te Pou Hauora Tūmatanui
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