Communications about the Official Information Act
P Robins made this Official Information request to Chris Penk
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From: P Robins
Dear Chris Penk,
I am writing to formally request all communications received by you and your staff at Ministerial Services from other ministers and their Ministerial Services staff regarding processes and advice for handling requests under the Official Information Act.
I would like to request information from the following periods:
- November 27, 2023, to December 24, 2023
- January 15, 2024, to February 15, 2024
Yours faithfully,
P Robins
From: Chris Penk (MIN)
Chris Penk
Kia ora P Robins,
On behalf of Hon Chris Penk, I confirm receipt of your OIA request.
Ngâ mihi,
Alexandra Boac
Private Secretary – Executive Support | Office of Hon Chris Penk
Minister for Building and Construction
Minister for Land Information
Minister for Veterans
Associate Minister of Defence
Associate Minister of Immigration
Email: [Chris Penk request email]
Website: www.Beehive.govt.nz
Private Bag 180.41, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Authorised by Hon Chris Penk, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
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From: Chris Penk (MIN)
Chris Penk
Kia ora P Robins,
On behalf of Hon Chris Penk, see attached a response to your OIA request.
Ngâ mihi,
Alexandra Boac
Private Secretary – Executive Support | Office of Hon Chris Penk
Minister for Building and Construction
Minister for Land Information
Minister for Veterans
Associate Minister of Defence
Associate Minister of Immigration
Email: [1][Chris Penk request email]
Website: [2]www.Beehive.govt.nz
Private Bag 180.41, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Authorised by Hon Chris Penk, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is
confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or
transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author by
replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the
intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is
prohibited and may be unlawful.
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References
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1. mailto:[Chris Penk request email]
2. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/
From: P Robins
Dear Chris Penk (MIN),
Would you be so kind as to provide an explanation of how the decision to withhold names in this instance aligns with the guidance provided by the Ombudsman in similar matters as included below?
The names of officials should, in principle, be made available when requested. All such information normally discloses is the fact of an individual’s employment and what they are doing in that role. Anonymity may be justified if a real likelihood of harm can be identified but it is normally reserved for special circumstances such as where safety concerns arise.
Yours sincerely,
P Robins
From: Joanne Irain
Dear P Robins
Thank you for your email relating to Minister Penk's response to OIA request OIA24-175.
The Minister's response to your question follows:
‘In coming to a decision around withholding names of staff members, I consider a range of factors in line with the Official Information Act such as the seniority of the staff, the nature of their role and the views of staff members.
I believe that withholding staff names is justified in relation to concerns around safety and risk of improper pressure or harassment.
Political staff working in ministerial offices are at greater risk of harassment than other public servants.’
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions.
Kind regards
Jo Irain
Senior Private Secretary | Office of Hon Chris Penk
Minister for Building and Construction
Minister for Land Information
Minister for Veterans
Associate Minister of Defence
Associate Minister of Immigration
DDI: 04 817 6913
Email: [email address] Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Authorised by Hon Chris Penk, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
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