25 October 2024
Ref: DOIA-REQ-0004280
P Robins
Email:
fyi-request-28544-cff39836@requests.fyi.org.nz
Tēnā koe P Robins,
Thank you for your fol ow up requesfing the informafion withheld at page two of the release document be
released.
I note that the informafion withheld was draft correspondence on behalf of the Minister for Energy. This
informafion was withheld to preserve the free and frank exchange of opinions between officials and
Ministers. This gives Ministers confidence to seek advice on responses, and to take or leave that advice
free from undue pressure. This view has previously been upheld by the Ombudsman, which you can read
about further here:
hftps://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/resources/request-draft-ministerial-and-
chief-execufive-correspondence.
However, with further considerafion, I believe it is useful to summarise the nature of the exchange, as
follows:
The exchange in the withheld correspondence reflected a desire to update the draft responses for
ministerial correspondence on behalf of the Minister to ensure the lefters were clear that the
Government holds a nuclear free posifion, and to delineate between nuclear fission and nuclear
fusion. The updated language provided reflects this.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further assistance,
please contact
[email address].
You have the right to seek an invesfigafion and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Informafion
about how to make a complaint is available a
t www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802
602.
Nāku noa, nā
Stephen Tat
Acfing Manager Electricity Generafion, Infrastructure and Markets Policy
Energy Markets
