25 August 2025
Clem
[FYI request #31902 email]
Reference: OIA-2025/26-0107
Tēnā koe Clem,
Official Information Act request relating to Negative communications addressed to Dave
Gawn about the issuance of Emergency Management Alerts
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 11 August 2025.
You requested:
“…all records where an expression of regret, frustration, sadness, or disappointment
regarding the issuance of either / both alerts (those issued on 30-31 July 2025) was
expressed to Dave Gawn.
If you consider this request is too broad or too time consuming, I would appreciate you
responding with suggestions / ideas to assist me in refining my request.”
We have interpreted your request as seeking all communications (including emails, letters,
phone calls, text messages, and Signal messages) addressed to Dave Gawn that expressed
dissatisfaction or disagreement with the issuance of either or both alerts on 30 and 31 July
2025. We note that the nature of any response to your present request, similar to that of your
previous request on a related matter, is highly subjective, requiring as it does an
interpretation of the tone and intent of the communications received.
Information to be refused
A search of Mr Gawn’s phone has not identified any relevant text or Signal messages. For
completeness, we note that the messages located were supportive of the issuance of the
alerts, as were the phone calls Mr Gawn received from officials.
With regards to emails, Mr Gawn was forwarded a copy of a letter that a correspondent had
originally sent to the Minister for Emergency Management, Hon Mark Mitchell, which
contained recommendations on how to improve the alert system. He was also copied into
another email sent to the Minister for Emergency Management in which a member of the
public expressed disagreement with and criticism of the second alert. As these
communications were not addressed to Mr Gawn, we do not consider them to fall within the
scope of your request.
Accordingly, your request is refused under section 18(e) of the Act, as the information
requested does not exist or, despite reasonable efforts, cannot be found.
You may be interested to read Mr Gawn’s opinion piece on Stuff:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-
news/360778540/dave-gawn-public-safety-non-negotiable-when-we-make-decisions-send-
emergency-alerts.
Level 7, TSB Building, 147 Lambton Quay | PO Box 5010 | Wellington 6140 | New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 830 5100 | [email address] | www.civildefence.govt.nz
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under section
28(3) of the Act.
This response wil be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website
during our regular publication cycle. Typically, information is released monthly, or as otherwise
determined. Your personal information including name and contact details will be removed for
publication.
Nāku noa, nā,
Sarah Holland
Chief Advisor to the Chief Executive
National Emergency Management Agency
5104509
2
