File refs: LCO-01, OIA-15-E-69
27 March 2015
Bret Stewart
By email: [FYI request #2550 email]
Dear Bret
OFFICIAL INFORMATION REQUEST – METHODS OF INTERROGATION
I refer to your email of 5 March 2015 in which you said:
“I was interrogated by officers from the New Zealand Department of
Conservation at the Thames office. This was the culmination of an
investigation that started less than two weeks prior to October 30th, 2004 -
the approximate date of interrogation.
I would like to request information relating to methods of interrogation used
by the Department of Conservation.”
I have made all reasonable inquiries with Department staff who may have had knowledge
of your case, but these have been unsuccessful and I am informed that there are no notes
or records of meetings held with you. Therefore I regret that I must decline your request
as the information does not exist or cannot be found (section 18(d) Official Information act
refers). I should emphasise that there have been a number of staff changes in the
Department since 2004 and, unless you are able to provide more specific detail, I will be
unable to provide a different response.
However as a general statement, the Department’s standard approach to investigating any
issue is to collect information and interview relevant parties. The Department does not
subscribe to a particular style or method of interview, but our warranted
officers/investigators are required to act lawfully, and with all reasonableness and fairness
while carrying out their duties.
You are entitled to seek an investigation and review of my decision by writing to an
Ombudsman as provided by section 28(3) Official Information Act.
Please feel free to contact Geoff Owen, National Manager – Compliance
([email address]) should you have further questions.
Yours sincerely
Damian Coutts
Director Conservation Services
Lower North Island
for Director-General
OIA-15-E-69 - Bret Stewart - Subject of Interview at Thames 2004 - DOC-2184593
