Tēnā koe Colin

On behalf of Minister Mitchell, thank you for your OIA request. A response will be provided to you as per the requirements of the Official Information Act.

Nāku noa, nā

Office of Hon Mark Mitchell
Minister of Corrections
Minister of Police
Minister of Emergency Management and Recovery

Parliamentary Service Te Ratonga Whare Pāremata
Private Bag 18041, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
www.parliament.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 6 December 2023 5:30 PM
To: Mark Mitchell (MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: Official Information request - How many Corrections staff remained unvaccinated after being granted a 7A Medical Exemption?

Dear Mark Mitchell,

In a recent previous FOIA request made to Corrections, I was informed that 220 Corrections staff who had contracted Covid19, were granted a 7A Medical Exemption under the, "COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021"
And that these staff on returning to work would not require, a Covid19 vaccine for the 6 months from being infected with Covid19.
It is my understanding that the 7A medical exemption was revoked by the New Zealand Government at 11.59pm November 7th 2021. Along with the Covid19 vaccination Mandates for Prisons being lifted from July 2nd 2022.

Given the above information, my FOIA request is therefore as follows.
How many of these 220 Corrections staff given a 7A medical Exemption who returned to work in New Zealand Prisons, remained unvaccinated against Covid19 (zero vaccinations) for the 8 months between November 8th 2021 and July 2nd 2022.

Below I have copy and pasted the pertinent text from my previous FOIA replies along with the link,.which has instigated this current FOIA request,

"In accordance with clause 7A, The Chief Executive authorised 220 Corrections staff to return to work following their recovery from Covid-19."

https://fyi.org.nz/request/24455-the-num...

"Under clause 9, the Chief Executive authorised 220 Corrections staff to return to work following their recovery from COVID-19. It is important to note that public health guidance discourages vaccination for six months following an infection of COVID-19."

https://fyi.org.nz/request/24455-the-num...

Yours faithfully,

Colin Whiting

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Is [Mark Mitchell request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Mark Mitchell? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

________________________________

hide quoted sections

Good morning Colin,

On behalf of the Minister of Corrections, Hon Mark Mitchell, thank you for your email received on 6 December 2023. You have requested under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA):

'...How many of these 220 Corrections staff given a 7A medical Exemption who returned to work in New Zealand Prisons, remained unvaccinated against Covid19 (zero vaccinations) for the 8 months between November 8th 2021 and July 2nd 2022...'

This request is considered more closely connected to the Department of Corrections. Consequently, I am transferring this request to Corrections for consideration and direct response in accordance with section 14 of the OIA. You should expect a response from Corrections in due course.

Kind regards

Radhika Bhikha
Private Secretary | Office of Hon Mark Mitchell
Minister of Police
Minister of Corrections
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery
MP for Whangaparaoa

Email: [email address] Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 6 December 2023 5:30 PM
To: Mark Mitchell (MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: Official Information request - How many Corrections staff remained unvaccinated after being granted a 7A Medical Exemption?

Dear Mark Mitchell,

In a recent previous FOIA request made to Corrections, I was informed that 220 Corrections staff who had contracted Covid19, were granted a 7A Medical Exemption under the, "COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021"
And that these staff on returning to work would not require, a Covid19 vaccine for the 6 months from being infected with Covid19.
It is my understanding that the 7A medical exemption was revoked by the New Zealand Government at 11.59pm November 7th 2021. Along with the Covid19 vaccination Mandates for Prisons being lifted from July 2nd 2022.

Given the above information, my FOIA request is therefore as follows.
How many of these 220 Corrections staff given a 7A medical Exemption who returned to work in New Zealand Prisons, remained unvaccinated against Covid19 (zero vaccinations) for the 8 months between November 8th 2021 and July 2nd 2022.

Below I have copy and pasted the pertinent text from my previous FOIA replies along with the link,.which has instigated this current FOIA request,

"In accordance with clause 7A, The Chief Executive authorised 220 Corrections staff to return to work following their recovery from Covid-19."

https://fyi.org.nz/request/24455-the-num...

"Under clause 9, the Chief Executive authorised 220 Corrections staff to return to work following their recovery from COVID-19. It is important to note that public health guidance discourages vaccination for six months following an infection of COVID-19."

https://fyi.org.nz/request/24455-the-num...

Yours faithfully,

Colin Whiting

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Is [Mark Mitchell request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Mark Mitchell? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

________________________________

hide quoted sections

Kia ora,

 

Please find attached.

 

Ngā mihi | Kind regards,

 

Ministerial Services

Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa

a: National Office, Mayfair House, 44-52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

[1][IMG] [2][IMG] [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]

 

 

 

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Colin Whiting <[6][FOI #25058 email]>

Sent: Wednesday, 6 December 2023 5:30 PM

To: Mark Mitchell (MIN) <[7][email address]>

Subject: Official Information request - How many Corrections staff
remained unvaccinated after being granted a 7A Medical Exemption?

 

Dear Mark Mitchell,

 

In a recent previous FOIA request made to Corrections, I was informed that
220 Corrections staff who had contracted Covid19, were granted a 7A
Medical Exemption under the, "COVID-19 Public Health Response
(Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021"

And that these staff on returning to work would not require, a Covid19
vaccine for the 6 months from being infected with Covid19.

It is my understanding that the 7A medical exemption was revoked by the
New Zealand Government at 11.59pm November 7th 2021. Along with the
Covid19 vaccination Mandates for Prisons being lifted from July 2nd 2022.

 

Given the above information, my FOIA request is therefore as follows.

How many of these 220 Corrections staff given a 7A medical Exemption who
returned to work in New Zealand Prisons, remained unvaccinated against
Covid19 (zero vaccinations) for the 8 months between November 8th 2021 and
July 2nd 2022.

 

Below I have copy and pasted the pertinent text from my previous FOIA
replies along with the link,.which has instigated this current FOIA
request,

 

"In accordance with clause 7A, The Chief Executive authorised 220
Corrections staff to return to work following their recovery from
Covid-19."

 

[8]https://fyi.org.nz/request/24455-the-num...

 

"Under clause 9, the Chief Executive authorised 220 Corrections staff to
return to work following their recovery from COVID-19. It is important to
note that public health guidance discourages vaccination for six months
following an infection of COVID-19."

 

[9]https://fyi.org.nz/request/24455-the-num...

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Colin Whiting

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[10][FOI #25058 email]

 

Is [11][Mark Mitchell request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to Mark Mitchell? If so, please contact us using this
form:

[12]https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[13]https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

 

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

________________________________

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand
Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence
material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising,
transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means,
in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information
by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If
you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the
material from all computers.

References

Visible links
1. http://www.corrections.govt.nz/
2. http://www.corrections.govt.nz/
3. https://www.facebook.com/CorrectionsNZ/
4. https://nz.linkedin.com/company/departme...
5. https://twitter.com/correctionsnz?lang=en
6. mailto:[FOI #25058 email]
7. mailto:[email address]
8. https://fyi.org.nz/request/24455-the-num...
9. https://fyi.org.nz/request/24455-the-num...
10. mailto:[FOI #25058 email]
11. mailto:[Mark Mitchell request email]
12. https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...
13. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Kia ora,

Thank you for getting in touch with the Ministerial Services team.

Please note - the [1][email address] inbox is monitored from
8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.

If your request is urgent and relates to the wellbeing or safety of
someone in prison, please contact the prison directly. Contact details for
all prisons can be found here:
[2]https://www.corrections.govt.nz/about_us...

If you are looking for the location of a person in prison or if you want
to know if someone is in prison, you can request this information by using
the online form on our website.

[3]https://www.corrections.govt.nz/working_...

 

This is an automatic reply to confirm we have received your email and we
will contact you if any further information is required.  Please do not
reply to this message.

Ngā mihi | Kind regards,

The Ministerial Services Team

[4][email address]

 

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand
Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence
material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising,
transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means,
in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information
by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If
you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the
material from all computers.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. https://www.corrections.govt.nz/about_us...
3. https://www.corrections.govt.nz/working_...
4. mailto:[email address]

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Colin,
 
Thank you for your email.
 
We are in receipt of your email.
 
If you are requesting information, we are required to comply with the
Privacy Act 2020, the Official Information Act 1982 and the Victims Rights
Act 2002.
 
Depending on the nature of your request you may not receive an official
response for up to 20 working days.
 
We will respond to you in due course.
 
Ngā mihi | Kind regards,
Ministerial Services
Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa
a: National Office, Mayfair House, 44-52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 11:09 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: CM: [External]Re: C176430
 
[You don't often get email from
[1][FOI #25058 email]. Learn why this is
important at [2]https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]
 
Dear Info@Corrections,
Thankyou for your reply.
Unfortunately only part of my request has been answered.
I would still like to know how it was possible for 220 Corrections staff
to be exempted from having a Covid19 vaccination booster under clause 7A,
when clause 7A was replaced by clause 9B on the 12th November 2021.
It is my understanding that at the time any unvaccinated Corrections staff
who had received an exemption under clause 7A, had to re-apply to receive
an exemption under clause 9B.
My understanding of your reply, (along with your reply from a previous
FOIA request) is therefore that 220 fully vaccinated Corrections staff 
prior to November 12th 2021, were exempted under clause 7A from having to
receive a Covid19 vaccination booster, because they had contracted
Covid19.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Colin Whiting
 
-----Original Message-----
 
Kia ora,
 
 
 
Please find attached.
 
 
 
Ngā mihi | Kind regards,
 
 
 
Ministerial Services
 
Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa
 
a: National Office, Mayfair House, 44-52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
 
[1][IMG] [2][IMG] [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[3][FOI #25058 email]
 
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[4]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
 
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand
Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence
material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising,
transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means,
in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information
by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If
you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the
material from all computers.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[FOI #25058 email]
2. https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific...
3. mailto:[FOI #25058 email]
4. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

hide quoted sections

Kia ora,

Please see attatched reponse to the below correspondence.

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections
Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 11:09 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: [External]Re: C176430

[You don't often get email from [FOI #25058 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Info@Corrections,
Thankyou for your reply.
Unfortunately only part of my request has been answered.
I would still like to know how it was possible for 220 Corrections staff to be exempted from having a Covid19 vaccination booster under clause 7A, when clause 7A was replaced by clause 9B on the 12th November 2021.
It is my understanding that at the time any unvaccinated Corrections staff who had received an exemption under clause 7A, had to re-apply to receive an exemption under clause 9B.
My understanding of your reply, (along with your reply from a previous FOIA request) is therefore that 220 fully vaccinated Corrections staff prior to November 12th 2021, were exempted under clause 7A from having to receive a Covid19 vaccination booster, because they had contracted Covid19.

Yours sincerely,

Colin Whiting

-----Original Message-----

Kia ora,

Please find attached.

Ngā mihi | Kind regards,

Ministerial Services

Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa

a: National Office, Mayfair House, 44-52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

[1][IMG] [2][IMG] [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising, transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means, in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers.

hide quoted sections

Good afternoon Colin,

Please see the attached response to the below request.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections
Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 11:09 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: [External]Re: C176430

[You don't often get email from [FOI #25058 email]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear Info@Corrections,
Thankyou for your reply.
Unfortunately only part of my request has been answered.
I would still like to know how it was possible for 220 Corrections staff to be exempted from having a Covid19 vaccination booster under clause 7A, when clause 7A was replaced by clause 9B on the 12th November 2021.
It is my understanding that at the time any unvaccinated Corrections staff who had received an exemption under clause 7A, had to re-apply to receive an exemption under clause 9B.
My understanding of your reply, (along with your reply from a previous FOIA request) is therefore that 220 fully vaccinated Corrections staff prior to November 12th 2021, were exempted under clause 7A from having to receive a Covid19 vaccination booster, because they had contracted Covid19.

Yours sincerely,

Colin Whiting

-----Original Message-----

Kia ora,

Please find attached.

Ngā mihi | Kind regards,

Ministerial Services

Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa

a: National Office, Mayfair House, 44-52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

[1][IMG] [2][IMG] [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising, transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means, in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers.

hide quoted sections

Kia ora,

Thank you for getting in touch with the Ministerial Services team.

Please note - the [1][email address] inbox is monitored from
8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.

If your request is urgent and relates to the wellbeing or safety of
someone in prison, please contact the prison directly. Contact details for
all prisons can be found here:
[2]https://www.corrections.govt.nz/about_us...

If you are looking for the location of a person in prison or if you want
to know if someone is in prison, you can request this information by using
the online form on our website.

[3]https://www.corrections.govt.nz/working_...

 

This is an automatic reply to confirm we have received your email and we
will contact you if any further information is required.  Please do not
reply to this message.

Ngā mihi | Kind regards,

The Ministerial Services Team

[4][email address]

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand
Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence
material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising,
transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means,
in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information
by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If
you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the
material from all computers.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. https://www.corrections.govt.nz/about_us...
3. https://www.corrections.govt.nz/working_...
4. mailto:[email address]

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Colin,

Thank you for your email.

We are in receipt of your email.

If you are requesting information, we are required to comply with the Privacy Act 2020, the Official Information Act 1982 and the Victims Rights Act 2002.

Depending on the nature of your request you may not receive an official response for up to 20 working days.

We will respond to you in due course.

Ngā mihi | Kind regards,
Ministerial Services
Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa
a: National Office, Mayfair House, 44-52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:58 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: CM: Re: C177729 - RE: [External]Re: C176430

Dear Info@Corrections,
Thankyou for your reply, to my above OIA request on the granting of 7A Covid19 vaccination exemptions.
In your reply you stated below.
"Please be advised that Corrections provided you with the incorrect information in response to both OIA requests dated 16 October and 6 December 2023 and we wish to apologise for this error. All 220 staff referred to previously, returned to work under the version of clause 7A that came into force on 15 May 2022 which can be found here. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulati...
No staff were authorised under clause 9 or the version of clause 7A that was in force as of 25 October 2021."

In order to reach a conclusion from your above reply, I first need to clarify my findings thus far from your previous replies to my initial OIA request, in that it has so far been stated by you.

That no staff working within Corrections remained unvaccinated against Covid19 (zero vaccinations) for the 8 months, between November 8th 2021 and July 2nd 2022.
The only vaccination exemptions given were those given to 220 fully vaccinated staff who had contracted Covid19, (despite being double vaccinated) thus resulting in them being immune from requiring a booster vaccination for the 6 month period, from the time of no longer testing positive for Covid19.
The only Covid19 vaccination exemptions were those given when implementing, the new version of the 7A exemption from 15th May 2022.
My question to Corrections following their above March 13th 2024 reply, is for the timeframe in using the 7A booster exemptions..

What process was used by Corrections for giving a Covid19 booster exemption to fully vaccinated Corrections staff who returned to work, prior to the15th May 2022 after recovering from contracting Covid19, and no longer testing positive for Covid19?
Or did these staff just remain off work until 15th May 2022, and were subsequently included in the 220 staff who 'returned to work' after the 15th May 2022, when the new version of the 7A Exemption was enacted ?

Yours sincerely,

Colin Whiting

-----Original Message-----

Good afternoon Colin,

Please see the attached response to the below request.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising, transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means, in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers.

hide quoted sections

Good morning Colin,

Please see attatched reponse to the below correspondence.

Kind regards,
Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections
Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:58 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: CM: Re: C177729 - RE: [External]Re: C176430

Dear Info@Corrections,
Thankyou for your reply, to my above OIA request on the granting of 7A Covid19 vaccination exemptions.
In your reply you stated below.
"Please be advised that Corrections provided you with the incorrect information in response to both OIA requests dated 16 October and 6 December 2023 and we wish to apologise for this error. All 220 staff referred to previously, returned to work under the version of clause 7A that came into force on 15 May 2022 which can be found here. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulati...
No staff were authorised under clause 9 or the version of clause 7A that was in force as of 25 October 2021."

In order to reach a conclusion from your above reply, I first need to clarify my findings thus far from your previous replies to my initial OIA request, in that it has so far been stated by you.

That no staff working within Corrections remained unvaccinated against Covid19 (zero vaccinations) for the 8 months, between November 8th 2021 and July 2nd 2022.
The only vaccination exemptions given were those given to 220 fully vaccinated staff who had contracted Covid19, (despite being double vaccinated) thus resulting in them being immune from requiring a booster vaccination for the 6 month period, from the time of no longer testing positive for Covid19.
The only Covid19 vaccination exemptions were those given when implementing, the new version of the 7A exemption from 15th May 2022.
My question to Corrections following their above March 13th 2024 reply, is for the timeframe in using the 7A booster exemptions..

What process was used by Corrections for giving a Covid19 booster exemption to fully vaccinated Corrections staff who returned to work, prior to the15th May 2022 after recovering from contracting Covid19, and no longer testing positive for Covid19?
Or did these staff just remain off work until 15th May 2022, and were subsequently included in the 220 staff who 'returned to work' after the 15th May 2022, when the new version of the 7A Exemption was enacted ?

Yours sincerely,

Colin Whiting

-----Original Message-----

Good afternoon Colin,

Please see the attached response to the below request.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising, transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means, in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers.

hide quoted sections

Good morning Colin,

Please disregard our previous email sent to you earlier this morning and see our updated attached response to the below correspondence.

Kind regards,
Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-----Original Message-----
From: Info@Corrections
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2024 8:45 AM
To: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Subject: C179663 - RE: [External]Re: C177729 (Extension)

Good morning Colin,

Please see attatched reponse to the below correspondence.

Kind regards,
Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:58 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: CM: Re: C177729 - RE: [External]Re: C176430

Dear Info@Corrections,
Thankyou for your reply, to my above OIA request on the granting of 7A Covid19 vaccination exemptions.
In your reply you stated below.
"Please be advised that Corrections provided you with the incorrect information in response to both OIA requests dated 16 October and 6 December 2023 and we wish to apologise for this error. All 220 staff referred to previously, returned to work under the version of clause 7A that came into force on 15 May 2022 which can be found here. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulati...
No staff were authorised under clause 9 or the version of clause 7A that was in force as of 25 October 2021."

In order to reach a conclusion from your above reply, I first need to clarify my findings thus far from your previous replies to my initial OIA request, in that it has so far been stated by you.

That no staff working within Corrections remained unvaccinated against Covid19 (zero vaccinations) for the 8 months, between November 8th 2021 and July 2nd 2022.
The only vaccination exemptions given were those given to 220 fully vaccinated staff who had contracted Covid19, (despite being double vaccinated) thus resulting in them being immune from requiring a booster vaccination for the 6 month period, from the time of no longer testing positive for Covid19.
The only Covid19 vaccination exemptions were those given when implementing, the new version of the 7A exemption from 15th May 2022.
My question to Corrections following their above March 13th 2024 reply, is for the timeframe in using the 7A booster exemptions..

What process was used by Corrections for giving a Covid19 booster exemption to fully vaccinated Corrections staff who returned to work, prior to the15th May 2022 after recovering from contracting Covid19, and no longer testing positive for Covid19?
Or did these staff just remain off work until 15th May 2022, and were subsequently included in the 220 staff who 'returned to work' after the 15th May 2022, when the new version of the 7A Exemption was enacted ?

Yours sincerely,

Colin Whiting

-----Original Message-----

Good afternoon Colin,

Please see the attached response to the below request.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising, transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means, in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers.

hide quoted sections

Good afternoon Colin,

Please see the attached response to the below request.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:58 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: CM: Re: C177729 - RE: [External]Re: C176430

Dear Info@Corrections,
Thankyou for your reply, to my above OIA request on the granting of 7A Covid19 vaccination exemptions.
In your reply you stated below.
"Please be advised that Corrections provided you with the incorrect information in response to both OIA requests dated 16 October and 6 December 2023 and we wish to apologise for this error. All 220 staff referred to previously, returned to work under the version of clause 7A that came into force on 15 May 2022 which can be found here. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulati...
No staff were authorised under clause 9 or the version of clause 7A that was in force as of 25 October 2021."

In order to reach a conclusion from your above reply, I first need to clarify my findings thus far from your previous replies to my initial OIA request, in that it has so far been stated by you.

That no staff working within Corrections remained unvaccinated against Covid19 (zero vaccinations) for the 8 months, between November 8th 2021 and July 2nd 2022.
The only vaccination exemptions given were those given to 220 fully vaccinated staff who had contracted Covid19, (despite being double vaccinated) thus resulting in them being immune from requiring a booster vaccination for the 6 month period, from the time of no longer testing positive for Covid19.
The only Covid19 vaccination exemptions were those given when implementing, the new version of the 7A exemption from 15th May 2022.
My question to Corrections following their above March 13th 2024 reply, is for the timeframe in using the 7A booster exemptions..

What process was used by Corrections for giving a Covid19 booster exemption to fully vaccinated Corrections staff who returned to work, prior to the15th May 2022 after recovering from contracting Covid19, and no longer testing positive for Covid19?
Or did these staff just remain off work until 15th May 2022, and were subsequently included in the 220 staff who 'returned to work' after the 15th May 2022, when the new version of the 7A Exemption was enacted ?

Yours sincerely,

Colin Whiting

-----Original Message-----

Good afternoon Colin,

Please see the attached response to the below request.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising, transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means, in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers.

hide quoted sections

Kia ora,

Thank you for getting in touch with the Ministerial Services team.

Please note - the [1][email address] inbox is monitored from
8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.

If your request is urgent and relates to the wellbeing or safety of
someone in prison, please contact the prison directly. Contact details for
all prisons can be found here:
[2]https://www.corrections.govt.nz/about_us...

If you are looking for the location of a person in prison or if you want
to know if someone is in prison, you can request this information by using
the online form on our website.

[3]https://www.corrections.govt.nz/working_...

 

This is an automatic reply to confirm we have received your email and we
will contact you if any further information is required.  Please do not
reply to this message.

Ngā mihi | Kind regards,

The Ministerial Services Team

[4][email address]

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand
Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence
material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising,
transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means,
in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information
by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If
you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the
material from all computers.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. https://www.corrections.govt.nz/about_us...
3. https://www.corrections.govt.nz/working_...
4. mailto:[email address]

hide quoted sections

Kia ora,

 

Thank you for your email.

 

We are in receipt of your email.

 

If you are requesting information, we are required to comply with the
Privacy Act 2020, the Official Information Act 1982 and the Victims Rights
Act 2002.

 

Depending on the nature of your request you may not receive an official
response for up to 20 working days.

 

We will respond to you in due course.

 

Ngā mihi | Kind regards,

Ministerial Services

Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa

a: National Office, Mayfair House, 44-52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

[1][IMG] [2][IMG] [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]

 

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 4:05 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: CM: [EXTERNAL] Re: C179663 - Response to C177729 & C176430

 

Dear Info@Corrections,

Thank you for your email of 16th May 2024.

 

First I would like to clarify the following in your reply.

 

"Those fully vaccinated staff who tested positive prior to the
authorisation regime being enacted were placed on special leave for a
period of 14 days. During this 14-day period, evidence was gathered and
submitted to the Director General of the Ministry of Health to approve the
exemption. Following the granting of an exemption, the person was
permitted to return to work following that 14-day period and the date
requirement to receive their booster was extended for six months as per
Ministry of Health advice."

 

For those fully vaccinated staff who were granted the 14 day 'special
leave' prior to 15th May 2022, was this 'special leave' for frontline
staff who had contracted Covid19 and were therefore absent as being sick,
or was it also for any staff member who had tested positive for Covid19
without showing any symptoms, and therefore not being absent as sick?

Or did both of these above categories qualify for the 14 day 'special
leave', awaiting the outcome of a Booster Exemption or extension
application, submitted to the Director General of The Ministry Health?

 

Once a staff member had contracted or tested positive for Covid19, and a
Booster Exemption was  submitted to the Director General of The Ministry
of Health, was their booster date extended for 6 months following the time
they had tested positive for Covid19, or for 6 months extending on from
the date of their next Booster?

 

Can you also clarify that the Booster extension was for 6 months and not
the 3 months, as mentioned in an earlier paragraph of your reply quoted
below ?

"As you are aware, the Ministry of Health advised that people who tested
positive for COVID19 should wait three months after they test positive
before receiving their booster vaccination."

 

Finally how many successful Covid19 Booster Exemptions ("temporary medical
exemption") were granted by The Director General of the Ministry of
Health, for Corrections Staff prior to May15th 2022? (subtracted from the
overall 220 following May 15) Also how many Corrections staff were
unsuccessful in being granted the "temporary medical exemption" for the
Covid19 Booster prior to May 15th 2022, from The Director General of The
Ministry of Health?

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Colin Whiting

 

-----Original Message-----

 

Good afternoon Colin,

 

Please see the attached response to the below request.

 

Kind regards,

 

Ministerial Services

Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National
Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[6][FOI #25058 email]

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[7]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand
Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence
material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising,
transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means,
in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information
by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If
you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the
material from all computers.

References

Visible links
1. http://www.corrections.govt.nz/
2. http://www.corrections.govt.nz/
3. https://www.facebook.com/CorrectionsNZ/
4. https://nz.linkedin.com/company/departme...
5. https://twitter.com/correctionsnz?lang=en
6. mailto:[FOI #25058 email]
7. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Good afternoon, Colin.

Please see the attached response to the below request.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-----Original Message-----
From: Colin Whiting <[FOI #25058 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 4:05 PM
To: Info@Corrections <[email address]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: C179663 - Response to C177729 & C176430

Dear Info@Corrections,
Thank you for your email of 16th May 2024.

First I would like to clarify the following in your reply.

"Those fully vaccinated staff who tested positive prior to the authorisation regime being enacted were placed on special leave for a period of 14 days. During this 14-day period, evidence was gathered and submitted to the Director General of the Ministry of Health to approve the exemption. Following the granting of an exemption, the person was permitted to return to work following that 14-day period and the date requirement to receive their booster was extended for six months as per Ministry of Health advice."

For those fully vaccinated staff who were granted the 14 day 'special leave' prior to 15th May 2022, was this 'special leave' for frontline staff who had contracted Covid19 and were therefore absent as being sick, or was it also for any staff member who had tested positive for Covid19 without showing any symptoms, and therefore not being absent as sick?
Or did both of these above categories qualify for the 14 day 'special leave', awaiting the outcome of a Booster Exemption or extension application, submitted to the Director General of The Ministry Health?

Once a staff member had contracted or tested positive for Covid19, and a Booster Exemption was submitted to the Director General of The Ministry of Health, was their booster date extended for 6 months following the time they had tested positive for Covid19, or for 6 months extending on from the date of their next Booster?

Can you also clarify that the Booster extension was for 6 months and not the 3 months, as mentioned in an earlier paragraph of your reply quoted below ?
"As you are aware, the Ministry of Health advised that people who tested positive for COVID19 should wait three months after they test positive before receiving their booster vaccination."

Finally how many successful Covid19 Booster Exemptions ("temporary medical exemption") were granted by The Director General of the Ministry of Health, for Corrections Staff prior to May15th 2022? (subtracted from the overall 220 following May 15) Also how many Corrections staff were unsuccessful in being granted the "temporary medical exemption" for the Covid19 Booster prior to May 15th 2022, from The Director General of The Ministry of Health?

Yours sincerely,

Colin Whiting

-----Original Message-----

Good afternoon Colin,

Please see the attached response to the below request.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Services
Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: National Office, Mayfair House, 44 -52 The Terrace, Wellington 6011

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #25058 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information in this message is the property of the New Zealand Department of Corrections. It is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain privileged or in confidence material. Any review, storage, copying, editing, summarising, transmission, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, by any means, in whole or part, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than intended recipient are prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers.

hide quoted sections