7 February 2024
Patrick George O’Rourke
[FYI request #25161 email]
Dear Patrick George
Thank you for your Official Information Act request, received on 13 December 2023. You
requested for:
...any advice you have received about funding this project, and any communication and
consultation taken with the local MP, Stuart Smith.
Information will soon be publicly available
The Treasury, alongside other Government departments and KiwiRail, is preparing to proactively
release a number of documents relating to Project iReX. This release wil cover information
within scope of the first part of your request for advice about funding Project iRex, and wil
soon be publicly available on Treasury website:
https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/other-official-information/information-releases.
Accordingly, I have refused this part of your request under section 18(d) of the Official
Information Act, as the information requested is or wil soon be publicly available.
Information does not exist
I do not hold any information within scope of the last part of your request for communication
and consultation taken with the local MP, Stuart Smith.
Accordingly, this part of your request is refused under section 18(e) of the Act, as the
document al eged to contain the information requested does not exist or, despite reasonable
efforts to locate it, cannot be found.
I acknowledge the important role that the Cook Strait ferries have in supporting the regional
Marlborough economy. Please be assured that this Government is committed to ensuring the
Strait remains resilient and reliable and is exploring options to achieve this that, relative to
Project iReX, provide greater value for taxpayer’s money.
This reply addresses the information you requested. You have the right to ask the
Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision.
Yours sincerely
Hon Paul Goldsmith
Minister for State Owned Enterprises
