Dear New Zealand Police,

I am writing to submit a renewed request under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). This request follows my original submission dated 15 July 2024, which was declined under sections 18(c)(i) and 9(2)(j) of the Act.

Given that the pay negotiations between the Government and the Police Association for sworn officers have since concluded, I believe the grounds for withholding previously cited — particularly section 9(2)(j) regarding active negotiations — no longer apply.

I therefore respectfully request the following information:

1) The number of, and nature of, any contracts or engagements between NZ Police and Vicki Campbell or Equilibrium Legal from June 2023 to June 2024.

2) Any declarations of conflict of interest made by Vicki Campbell in relation to her role as arbitrator in the recently concluded sworn officer pay negotiations.

3) Records of communication between NZ Police and Vicki Campbell or Equilibrium Legal regarding her appointment as arbitrator for those negotiations.

If any part of this request remains subject to section 18(c)(i) of the OIA, I ask that NZ Police clarify precisely how the Arbitration Act 1996 prevents disclosure, and whether a summary or redacted version could reasonably be provided under section 16 of the OIA.

As the negotiations have concluded and the matter is of public interest, I believe the public interest in transparency now outweighs any residual need for confidentiality.

Yours faithfully,

Katie Torrington