5 September 2024
Seyedomid Zoie
[FYI request #28105 email]
Ref: OIA-2024/25-0161
Dear Seyedomid Zoie
Official Information Act request relating to blocking from the Prime Minister’s
Facebook Page and related concerns
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 19 August
2024. You requested:
“1. Decision to Block from the Prime Minister’s Facebook Page
I request details about the criteria and decision-making process used to block
individuals, including myself, from the Prime Minister’s public Facebook page.
Specifically, I would like to know:
• The policy or guidelines governing such actions.
• Any internal communications or documentation related to the decision to block me.
2. Response to Concerns About Domestic Crime Policies, International Relations,
and Financial Regulations
I request any documentation, communications, or official responses related to the
concerns I raised regarding Domestic Crime Policies, International Relations, and
Financial Regulations, which have not been addressed in previous correspondence.
3. Internal Communications and Guidelines on Public Complaints
I request information on any internal guidelines or processes for responding to
public concerns or complaints, particularly in relation to the issues I raised.
Additionally, I would like to know if my previous communications were reviewed
according to these processes.
As it is written in Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come
knowledge and understanding.” I seek clarity and understanding through this
request and trust that transparency will bring forth wisdom for all involved.
Please acknowledge receipt of this request and provide the requested information
within the timeframe specified under the Official Information Act.”
The Facebook page for Christopher Luxon is administered by the National Leader’s Office in
the Parliamentary Service. As the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
does not hold information relating to this, I would usually seek to transfer this part of your
request. However, the Parliamentary Service is not subject to the Act.
The remainder of your request was made in reference to your prior correspondence with
DPMC. On 20 August 2024, DPMC wrote to you advising that it had not identified any prior
correspondence with you and requesting that you clarify who you had been in contact with to
assist us in locating your correspondence. As a week has now passed and we have not
heard back from you, I am responding to your request as it was initially made. If you can
provide information regarding your previous correspondence, DPMC will provide a further
response to you.
4944093
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 817 9698 www.dpmc.govt.nz
As DPMC has not been able to locate any prior correspondence from you, I am refusing your
request in its entirety under section 18(g) of the Act, that the information requested is not
held.
For completeness, I consulted the Prime Minister’s Office on the transfer of your request. I
did this because often DPMC is conflated with the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime
Minister’s Office advised they could not locate any previous correspondence with you.
Therefore, I have not transferred your request, as I cannot think of any other agency or
Minister subject to the Act that would hold information relevant to it, or whose functions would
be more closely connected to it.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
We do not intend to publish this response on the Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet’s website.
Yours sincerely
Clare Ward
Executive Director
Strategy, Governance and Engagement
4944093
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