18 September 2024 
Ohakune Ratepayers and Residents' Society Inc  
[FYI request #28176 email] 
Dear Ohakune Ratepayers and Residents' Society Inc  
OFFICIAL INFORMATION REQUEST DECISION ON MĀORI ELECTED MEMBERS 
I refer to your official information request dated 23 August 2024 as set out below.  
How many present RDC Elected Members are Maori by legal definition, viz. "a person of 
Maori race and includes any decendant" source: Maori Land Act.  Note: that this definition 
is different from the widely used "identifies as Maori".  It is important that the RDC 
Ratepayers are fully aware of the current Maori EM representation in terms of the legislation, 
not perceived. 
We have decided to refuse your request under section 17G of the Local Government 
Information and Meetings Act. 
We are unable to provide copies of documents as requested, as they do not exist. Council does 
not hold this information, nor is it required to collect this personal data. 
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. 
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or 
freephone 0800 802 602. 
Yours sincerely 
T Paladin  
GOVERNANCE MANAGER 

---