Dear Department of Internal Affairs,

I am requesting information under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the policies governing the issuance of New Zealand passports, specifically relating to name formatting rules.

Could you please provide clarification on the following:

1. The exact legislation or internal policy that allowed individuals born before 1 September 1995 to have their passport issued under either their birth surname or one of their parents' surnames.
2. Whether this policy was in effect in 2000, and if so, the precise wording and governing authority for this rule at that time.
3. Any changes or amendments made to this policy since 2000, including dates of revision and rationale for adjustments.
4. Any relevant guidelines or directives provided to passport processing officers concerning name selection for passport issuance prior to legal name changes.

If possible, I would appreciate receiving copies of relevant legislative provisions, official policy documents, or internal guidelines that detail these rules.

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe.

Yours faithfully,

E Jones