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3/09/2025
R S Bicknel
[FYI request #31732 email]
Tēnā koe,
OIA: 1352602 – Updated request regarding appointment of Fale Andrew Lesa
Thank you for your email of 25 August 2025 to the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) requesting
the following information:
I request that you consider my request independently from the previous, earlier request.
There now exists a clear public interest in understanding how Mr Lesa came to be appointed to
various Crown boards. I contend that it is not acceptable to rely on the previous grounds used
to withhold information in the earlier release. A more appropriate response, given significant
community concern relating to Mr Lesa, and given other agencies have released information
relating to appointment processes, would be to undertake a fresh analysis.
I am concerned that you have not done so. I therefore must further request under the Official
Information Act all internal correspondence relating to my original OIA request produced by
officials.
I request an update in due course, and reserve the right to refer the matter to the Ombudsman.
Your request has been considered under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act).
We have determined that part of the information requested is more closely connected with the
functions of Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skil s and Technology (Te Pūkenga):
There now exists a clear public interest in understanding how Mr Lesa came to be appointed to
various Crown boards. I contend that it is not acceptable to rely on the previous grounds used
to withhold information in the earlier release. A more appropriate response, given significant
community concern relating to Mr Lesa, and given other agencies have released information
relating to appointment processes, would be to undertake a fresh analysis.
As such, I have transferred this part of your request to Te Pūkenga in accordance with section
14(b)(i ) of the Act.
Wellington National Office, 1 The Terrace, Levels 5 to 14, Wellington 6011
PO Box 1666, Wellington 6140, DX SR51201 Phone: +64 4 463 8000
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You may expect a response from Te Pūkenga directly concerning this part of your request. You
can expect our response to the remainder of your request by 22 September 2025.
Nāku noa, nā
Angus Maxim
Senior Advisor, Official and Parliamentary Information
Government, Executive and Ministerial Services
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