5 July 2024
Harris Leigh
[FYI request #27151 email]
Tēnā koe Harris
Official Information Act (OIA) request: Copies of emails and messages between Mark
Sowden and Doug Craig
On 6 June 2024
, you contacted Stats NZ requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982
(the Act), the following information:
Under the OIA I seek copies of all emails, sms messages, WhatsApp, Signal,
Telegram, Viber or other similar messages exchanged between the Mr Mark Sowden,
Chief Executive of Stats NZ and Mr Doug Craig since Mr Sowden's appointment as
Chief Executive in January 2020.
If there quantum of messages falling within the scope of this request makes
compilation within the statutory timeframe, please provide the total number of such
messages per year and an estimate of when it would be feasible to provide copies of
the documents requested.
Please see attached a copy of all emails and messages sent between Mark Sowden and
Doug Craig between 1 January 2020 and 6 June 2024.
You will note that the names, phone numbers and email addresses of some individuals are
withheld under section 9(2)(a) of the Act in order to protect the privacy of natural persons. The
need to protect the privacy of these individuals outweighs the public interest in this
information.
Should you wish to discuss this response with us, please feel free to contact Stats NZ at:
[email address]. If you are not satisfied with this response, you have the right to seek an investigation and
review by the Ombudsman. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or 0800 802 602.
[email address]
toll-free 0508 525 525
stats.govt.nz
8 Willis Street, Wellington
PO Box 2922, Wellington 6140
It is Stats NZ’s policy to proactively release its responses to official information requests
where possible. This letter, with your personal details removed, will be published on the
Stats NZ website. Publishing responses creates greater openness and transparency of
government decision-making and helps better inform public understanding of the reasons
for decisions.
Nāku noa, nā
Kate Satterthwaite
Deputy Chief Executive and Chief of Staff
Office of the Chief Executive
Stats NZ
[email address]
toll-free 0508 525 525
stats.govt.nz
8 Willis Street, Wellington
PO Box 2922, Wellington 6140
