15 August 2025
OIAD-1706
John Luke
[FYI request #31791 email]
Tēnā koe John
Thank you for your email of 28 July 2025 requesting the following under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act) of the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry):
I noted, https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-
work/rma/about-the-making-good-decisions-programme-certification-for-rma-decision-
makers/certificate-holders-local-body-elected-members/
In light of recent news, https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360764249/justice-appointee-
resigns-everything-after-stuff-investigation-reveals-flawed-cv
Can you please confirm when does he resign. I request to view his resignation letter.
Also, I would like requesting all documents and information you hold pertaining to the
appointment of Fale Andrew Lesā to the RMA commissioner. Can you explain how he
get appoint and are there any reference check been done?
Fale Andrew Lesā has not been appointed as a “RMA commissioner” or to any other role by
the Ministry. “RMA commissioner” is a misinterpretation of the information on the Ministry’s
website about this person.
You have provided a link to the Ministry’s Making Good Decisions Programme (the
Programme), where Lesā is listed as a participant who has completed the Programme in lieu
of his role with Auckland Council as a Local Board Member. Completion of the Programme
does not constitute an appointment.
The Programme trains and accredits a person as qualified to sit on a Resource Management
Act (RMA) hearing panel as a commissioner for planning and consenting matters. The
relevant local council is responsible for appointing these commissioners under section 39A
of the RMA.
As such, I am transferring your request to Auckland Council under section 14 of the Act as it
pertains to appointments to council hearing panels under section 39A of the RMA as the
information requested is more closely related to its functions. You wil hear further from
Auckland Council regarding your request.
PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143 | Freephone 0800 499 700 | environment.govt.nz
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You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Office of the Ombudsman of
my decisions relating to this request, in accordance with section 28(3) of the Act. The
relevant details can be f
ound at: www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.
Nāku noa, nā
Althea Francis
Manager – System Enablement
Ministry for the Environment | Manatū Mō Te Taiao
PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143 | Freephone 0800 499 700 | environment.govt.nz
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