“Statement of Concerns” email
Matthew Hooton made this Official Information request to Reserve Bank of New Zealand
This request has an unknown status. We're waiting for Matthew Hooton to read a recent response and update the status.
From: Matthew Hooton
Dear Reserve Bank of New Zealand,
Under the OIA, I request the “Statement of Concerns” email of 27 February discussed in this news report: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/econ...
Please respond urgently to my request, for these reasons:
1) If the document does not exist, there is extreme public interest in the RBNZ making that clear immediately, given point 2, and it is now reasonably practicable for that to be stated.
2) Equally, if the document does exist, there is extreme public interest in the RBNZ releasing it immediately since it would suggest there has been a cover up involving the bank, Treasury and Government which ought to become public immediately, especially given the bank’s need for the integrity of its communications to be unimpeachable. This is especially true given the current process to appoint a new governor. It is also now reasonably practicable for the document to be released.
Under these circumstance, the protection of the privacy of natural persons is irrelevant and should not delay the release.
Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Matthew Hooton
From: Matthew Hooton
Dear Reserve Bank of New Zealand,
Can you please confirm you have received my OIA request of 23 July?
Yours faithfully,
Matthew Hooton
From: RBNZ Info
Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Kia ora,
Thank you for contacting the Reserve Bank of New Zealand - Te Pūtea
Matua.
Please note that this is an automatic reply to acknowledge that we have
received your email.
We aim to respond to you in 14-21 working days. In the meantime, please
read our frequently asked questions below.
Upcoming Monetary Policy Announcements
See all the Monetary Policy Announcement and Financial Stability Report
dates for 2025 [1]here.
Money & Cash
* [2]Returning old or damaged currency
* [3]The Future of Cash
* [4]Security and counterfeit detection
* [5]Using images of currency
Banknote or coin suggestions
If your email is offering suggestions related to banknote or coin designs
then it will be kept for review as part of any future work in this area.
Digital currency engagement
We are continuing to explore a central bank digital currency or "Digital
Cash" for Aotearoa New Zealand. We recently asked people all over the
country their thoughts on a proposed digital currency and here is [6]what
you told us. For more about our work on Digital Cash, check out our
[7]Digital Cash webpage.
Who we are and what we do
We are kaitiaki (guardians) of New Zealand’s financial ecosystem, working
to fulfil our purpose of Toitu te Ōhanga, Toitu te Oranga (enabling the
prosperity and wellbeing of all New Zealanders). We deliver on our mandate
by:
* [8]Operating monetary policy to maintain low and stable inflation
* [9]Promoting a sound and efficient financial system
* [10]Meeting the public’s cash needs
* [11]Overseeing effective payments systems
Statistics
For any queries or clarifications on the [12]data and statistics we
publish, please email [13][email address].
Firms we regulate
The Reserve Bank is the prudential regulator of banks, insurers, and
non-bank deposit takers (NBDTs).
* [14]List of registered banks in New Zealand
* [15]List of licensed insurers
* [16]Register of licensed NBDTs
Deposit Takers Act
The Deposit Takers Act will protect deposits through the Depositor
Compensation Scheme, and increase the stability of our financial system.
You can find more information on our [17]website. Sign up to our regular
newsletter [18]Deposit Takers News which you can subscribe to
[19]here under the Deposit Takers category.
Complaints about banks, insurers, and NBDTs
If you have a complaint, please deal directly with your bank or insurer in
the first instance. You can also contact the [20]Banking Ombudsman, the
[21]Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman, or the [22]Financial
Markets Authority.
Looking for information about the strength of the financial system?
Check out our [23]Bank Financial Strength Dashboard. You can also read our
regular assessments of the economy and the financial system:
* [24]Monetary Policy Statement
* [25]Financial Stability Report
Please note that the Reserve Bank is not authorised to give legal or
financial advice. Please contact a lawyer or a financial adviser
instead.
Kōrero – our speaking and engagement programme
Reserve Bank staff meet and speak with a wide range of businesses,
industry forums, community groups, schools and universities. These
engagements are welcome opportunities to discuss topical issues and
policies, hear people’s experiences and answer questions.
Please check out the [26]Kōrero webpage for more information on the
programme. To request a speaker, please email [27][email address].
We’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
Kind regards | Ngā mihi nui
Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
2 The Terrace, Wellington 6011. PO Box 2498, Wellington 6140
T + 04 472 2029
E [28][RBNZ request email] W [29]rbnz.govt.nz
This message (and any files transmitted with it) are confidential and may
be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient please notify
the sender immediately and delete this message from your system.
This message does not necessarily reflect the views of the Reserve Bank of
New Zealand. If the recipient has any concerns about the content of this
message they should seek alternative confirmation from the Reserve Bank of
New Zealand.
References
Visible links
1. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/0...
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/0...
2. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
3. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
4. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-and-cash/...
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-and-cash/...
5. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
6. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-and-cash/...
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-and-cash/...
7. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-and-cash/...
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-and-cash/...
8. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
9. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
10. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
11. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
12. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
13. mailto:[email address]
14. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
15. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
16. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
17. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/dcs
18. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/regulation-and-...
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/regulation-and-...
19. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/about-our-site/...
20. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
21. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
22. https://www.fma.govt.nz/contact/make-a-c...
https://www.fma.govt.nz/contact/make-a-c...
23. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
24. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
25. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
26. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
27. mailto:[email address]
28. mailto:[RBNZ request email]
29. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/
From: Ministerial correspondence Mailbox
Reserve Bank of New Zealand
UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Matthew
We confirm that we received your OIA request on 23 July, and sincerely
apologise for not acknowledging this earlier.
Please see attached the RBNZ’s response to your request.
Kind regards
Government Relations
Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
2 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
PO Box 2498, Wellington 6140
E [1][email address]
W [2]rbnz.govt.nz
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Matthew Hooton <[3][FOI #31723 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 6 August 2025 6:37 pm
To: RBNZ Info <[4][RBNZ request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information request - “Statement of Concerns” email
Dear Reserve Bank of New Zealand,
Can you please confirm you have received my OIA request of 23 July?
Yours faithfully,
Matthew Hooton
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[5][FOI #31723 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[6]https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This message (and any files transmitted with it) are confidential and may
be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient please notify
the sender immediately and delete this message from your system.
This message does not necessarily reflect the views of the Reserve Bank of
New Zealand. If the recipient has any concerns about the content of this
message they should seek alternative confirmation from the Reserve Bank of
New Zealand.
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. file:///tmp/rbnz.govt.nz
3. mailto:[FOI #31723 email]
4. mailto:[RBNZ request email]
5. mailto:[FOI #31723 email]
6. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
hide quoted sections
From: Ministerial correspondence Mailbox
Reserve Bank of New Zealand
UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Matthew
Further to our email below, please refer to the RBNZ’s press release this
morning.
[1]RBNZ responds to Chief Ombudsman decision - Reserve Bank of New Zealand
- Te Pūtea Matua
The RBNZ has issued this press release and an accompanying summary
timeline following the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation of, and
final decision on, our approach to OIA requests regarding the former
Governor’s departure.
We confirm that the matters raised in your OIA request of 23 July were
considered as part of the RBNZ’s 11 June public response. With the
publication of this morning’s press release, we believe that we have now
responded to your request in full.
Thank you for your patience on this.
Kind regards
Government Relations
Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
2 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
PO Box 2498, Wellington 6140
E [2][email address]
W [3]rbnz.govt.nz
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Ministerial correspondence Mailbox <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 19 August 2025 5:05 pm
To: [FOI #31723 email]
Cc: Ministerial correspondence Mailbox <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OIA2526_25 - “Statement of Concerns” email
Dear Matthew
We confirm that we received your OIA request on 23 July, and sincerely
apologise for not acknowledging this earlier.
Please see attached the RBNZ’s response to your request.
Kind regards
Government Relations
Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
2 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
PO Box 2498, Wellington 6140
E [4][email address]
W [5]rbnz.govt.nz
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Matthew Hooton <[6][FOI #31723 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 6 August 2025 6:37 pm
To: RBNZ Info <[7][RBNZ request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information request - “Statement of Concerns” email
Dear Reserve Bank of New Zealand,
Can you please confirm you have received my OIA request of 23 July?
Yours faithfully,
Matthew Hooton
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[8][FOI #31723 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[9]https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This message (and any files transmitted with it) are confidential and may
be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient please notify
the sender immediately and delete this message from your system.
This message does not necessarily reflect the views of the Reserve Bank of
New Zealand. If the recipient has any concerns about the content of this
message they should seek alternative confirmation from the Reserve Bank of
New Zealand.
References
Visible links
1. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2025/0...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. file:///tmp/rbnz.govt.nz
4. mailto:[email address]
5. file:///tmp/rbnz.govt.nz
6. mailto:[FOI #31723 email]
7. mailto:[RBNZ request email]
8. mailto:[FOI #31723 email]
9. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
hide quoted sections
From: Matthew Hooton
Dear Ministerial correspondence Mailbox,
I have reviewed the media statement you refer to. You are wrong when you say it responds to my request in full. I asked for the full email. The timeline does not provide this. The Ombudsman may not have "not required any additional documents or other information to be released" when the timeline was released but this does not negate your obligation to comply with the OIA and respond properly to my request. Please do so.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Hooton
From: Ministerial correspondence Mailbox
Reserve Bank of New Zealand
UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Matthew
Thank you for your follow-up query.
Please see attached our response.
Kind regards
Government Relations
Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
2 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
PO Box 2498, Wellington 6140
E [1][email address]
W [2]rbnz.govt.nz
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Matthew Hooton <[FOI #31723 email]>
Sent: Thursday, 28 August 2025 10:24 am
To: Ministerial correspondence Mailbox <[email address]>
Subject: RE: [OIA2526_25] Departure of former Governor
Dear Ministerial correspondence Mailbox,
I have reviewed the media statement you refer to. You are wrong when you
say it responds to my request in full. I asked for the full email. The
timeline does not provide this. The Ombudsman may not have "not required
any additional documents or other information to be released" when the
timeline was released but this does not negate your obligation to comply
with the OIA and respond properly to my request. Please do so.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Hooton
-----Original Message-----
UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Matthew
Further to our email below, please refer to the RBNZ’s press release this
morning.
[1]RBNZ responds to Chief Ombudsman decision - Reserve Bank of New Zealand
- Te Pūtea Matua
The RBNZ has issued this press release and an accompanying summary
timeline following the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation of, and
final decision on, our approach to OIA requests regarding the former
Governor’s departure.
We confirm that the matters raised in your OIA request of 23 July were
considered as part of the RBNZ’s 11 June public response. With the
publication of this morning’s press release, we believe that we have now
responded to your request in full.
Thank you for your patience on this.
Kind regards
Government Relations
Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
2 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
PO Box 2498, Wellington 6140
E [2][email address]
W [3]rbnz.govt.nz
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Ministerial correspondence Mailbox <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 19 August 2025 5:05 pm
To: [FOI #31723 email]
Cc: Ministerial correspondence Mailbox <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OIA2526_25 - “Statement of Concerns” email
Dear Matthew
We confirm that we received your OIA request on 23 July, and sincerely
apologise for not acknowledging this earlier.
Please see attached the RBNZ’s response to your request.
Kind regards
Government Relations
Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
2 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
PO Box 2498, Wellington 6140
E [4][email address]
W [5]rbnz.govt.nz
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Matthew Hooton <[6][FOI #31723 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 6 August 2025 6:37 pm
To: RBNZ Info <[7][RBNZ request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information request - “Statement of Concerns” email
Dear Reserve Bank of New Zealand,
Can you please confirm you have received my OIA request of 23 July?
Yours faithfully,
Matthew Hooton
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[8][FOI #31723 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[9][3]https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[4][FOI #31723 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[5]https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This message (and any files transmitted with it) are confidential and may
be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient please notify
the sender immediately and delete this message from your system.
This message does not necessarily reflect the views of the Reserve Bank of
New Zealand. If the recipient has any concerns about the content of this
message they should seek alternative confirmation from the Reserve Bank of
New Zealand.
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. file:///tmp/rbnz.govt.nz
3. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
4. mailto:[FOI #31723 email]
5. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
hide quoted sections
Things to do with this request
- Add an annotation (to help the requester or others)
- Download a zip file of all correspondence (note: this contains the same information already available above).