Kia ora R Clark

We have received your official information request
We received your request on 26/8/2025 for information pertaining to the proposed Atawhai Park land exchange with Massey University.

We will do our best to respond to your request as soon as possible and no later than 23/9/2025. If we aren’t able to respond to your request within this 20 working day period, we will let you know.
 
We are working on your request
We are currently gathering any information we hold that relates to your request. If we need to clarify anything, we'll get in touch with you.
 
On some occasions we need to charge for the cost of labour and materials involved in making information available, or for making information available urgently. If a charge is required, we will let you know before your request is processed.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by emailing [Palmerston North City Council request email]. Your reference number is LGOIMA SRC0323615
 
Ngā mihi

Merle Lavin
Governance Support Officer

Official Information Team
Legal Services

Palmerston North City Council
Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

06 356 8199
pncc.govt.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: R Clarke <[FOI #32131 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 8:38 pm
To: LGOIMA Requests <[email address]>
Subject: Official Information request - All Information relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

Dear Palmerston North City Council,

I request:
1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed subdivision of Massey's landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey University and/or any other entity, stakeholder or individual, including all information and documentation between the parties prior to and leading up to this proposed land exchange, to August 2025.
2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and how it came about 3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention that PNCC intends to dissolve Easement 2. By withholding this information, PNCC is misleading the community.
4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement 2, once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing easy access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park and Turitea Stream.
5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap.
6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future plan for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part Section 208 TN of Fitzherbert

Yours faithfully
R Clarke

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #32131 email]

Is [Palmerston North City Council request email] the wrong address for Official Information requests to Palmerston North City Council? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
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.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Mr Clark

 

I refer to your official information request received on 27 August 2025
for information pertaining to the proposed Atawhai Park land exchange with
Massey University.

 

Extension required

The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA)
requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than
20 working days after the day we received your request. Unfortunately, it
will not be possible to meet that time limit and we are therefore writing
to notify you of an extension of the time to make our decision, to 1
October 2025. However, if we can respond prior to this date, we will do
so. This extension is required to enable us to undertake consultations
with a third-party which is necessary before we can make a decision about
your request. Therefore, a proper response to your request cannot
reasonably be made within the original time limit.

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Douglas Collis

Legal Officer

Āpiha Ture

Official Information Team
Legal Services

Palmerston North City Council
[2][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

06 356 8199

[3]pncc.govt.nz

 

-----Original Message-----
From: LGOIMA Requests <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 27 August 2025 9:14 am
To: [FYI request #32131 email]
Subject: LGOIMA SRC0323615 Official Information request - All Information
relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

Kia ora R Clark

 

We have received your official information request We received your
request on 26/8/2025 for information pertaining to the proposed Atawhai
Park land exchange with Massey University.

 

We will do our best to respond to your request as soon as possible and no
later than 23/9/2025. If we aren’t able to respond to your request within
this 20 working day period, we will let you know. 

  

We are working on your request

We are currently gathering any information we hold that relates to your
request. If we need to clarify anything, we'll get in touch with you.  

  

On some occasions we need to charge for the cost of labour and materials
involved in making information available, or for making information
available urgently. If a charge is required, we will let you know before
your request is processed.   

  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by emailing
[4][Palmerston North City Council request email]. Your reference number is LGOIMA SRC0323615   

  

Ngā mihi

 

Merle Lavin

Governance Support Officer

 

Official Information Team

Legal Services

 

Palmerston North City Council

Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square

Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

 

06 356 8199

pncc.govt.nz

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: R Clarke <[5][FYI request #32131 email]>

Sent: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 8:38 pm

To: LGOIMA Requests <[6][email address]>

Subject: Official Information request - All Information relating to the
proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

Dear Palmerston North City Council,

 

I request:

1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land exchange
at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed subdivision of Massey's
landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey University and/or any other entity,
stakeholder or individual, including all information and documentation
between the parties prior to and leading up to this proposed land
exchange, to August 2025.

2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and
how it came about 3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention
that PNCC intends to dissolve Easement 2. By withholding this information,
PNCC is misleading the community.

4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement 2,
once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing easy
access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park and
Turitea Stream.

5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap.

6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future plan
for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part Section 208 TN
of Fitzherbert

 

Yours faithfully

R Clarke

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[7][FYI request #32131 email]

 

Is [8][Palmerston North City Council request email] the wrong address for Official Information
requests to Palmerston North City Council? If so, please contact us using
this form:

[9]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[10]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

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.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

References

Visible links
1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
2. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
3. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
4. mailto:[Palmerston North City Council request email]
5. mailto:[FYI request #32131 email]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. mailto:[FYI request #32131 email]
8. mailto:[Palmerston North City Council request email]
9. https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...
10. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Mr Clark

 

I refer to your official information request (Our ref: SRC0323615 )
received on 27 August 2025 for:

 

 1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land
exchange at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed
subdivision of Massey's landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey
University and/or any other entity, stakeholder or individual,
including all information and documentation between the parties prior
to and leading up to this proposed land exchange, to August 2025.
 2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and
how it came about 3.
 3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention that PNCC intends
to dissolve Easement 2.
 4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement
2, once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing
easy access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park
and Turitea Stream.
 5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap.
 6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future
plan for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part
Section 208 TN of Fitzherbert.

 

Our response

Q1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land
exchange at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed subdivision of
Massey's landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey University and/or any other
entity, stakeholder or individual, including all information and
documentation between the parties prior to and leading up to this proposed
land exchange, to August 2025:

The information requested can be viewed at this [1]​pdf icon[2] link
(refer to pages 1-50).

 

Decision to withhold some information requested:

We have made redactions in the information released to you and withheld
documents. The section/s relied on to withhold the information is noted in
the document and refers to the Local Government Official Information and
Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).

 

Privacy – names, phone numbers and email address of third parties,
signatures of employees of third parties and name of former Council
officer and mobile phone number of officers

We have withheld the names, phone numbers and email addresses of
third-party employees of Massey University and WSP, the mobile phone
numbers of Council officers, comments about personal leave and illnesses,
names of a former employee and the signatures of Massey University and The
Property Group employees in accordance with section 7(2)(a) of the Local
Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA). Section
7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA provides that there is a good reason for withholding
official information when the withholding of information is necessary to
protect the privacy of natural persons. The release of this information
would disclose the names, phone numbers, email addresses and signatures of
third-party employees and former officer name and officer mobile phone
numbers which is their private affairs. We have considered the public
interest in releasing this information, however we consider the privacy of
individuals outweighs the public interest in this instance.

 

Maintain the effective conduct of public affairs (free and frank) – draft
reports, officer opinions

We have withheld draft Council reports and comments/opinions by officers
discussing the need for further advice regarding access to a walkway in
accordance with section 7(2)(f)(i) of the LGOIMA. Section 7(2)(f)(i) of
the LGOIMA provides that there is a good reason for withholding official
information when the withholding of information is necessary to maintain
the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank
expression of opinions by or between officers in the course of their
duties. We consider that it is important for officers to be able to
collaborate with each other and revise draft reports and express opinions
about areas where further advice/discussions may be required. If released,
the future exchange of free and frank opinions could be inhibited and that
inhibition would prejudice the effective and efficient conduct of public
affairs as staff no longer feel free to test or exchange ideas with one
another or seek feedback from third parties when drafting reports. This
would limit our ability to test out ideas with third parties to review and
contribute draft Council reports which may lead to less robust reports and
make officers less likely to seek further advice. Consequently, we
consider that the public interest in the release of this information does
not outweigh the considerations in favour of withholding the information.
We note that a final copy of the draft report has been publicly released
and a link is provided in this response.

 

Please note that we have also withheld information and documents that are
outside the scope of your request. This information relates to separate
agreements and discussions about walking paths and tracks that are not
directly relevant to the land exchange. In addition, we have not provided
you with a copy of the report to Council on 6 August 2025 as this is
already publicly available on our [3]website (pg. 91-99).  

 

Q2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and
how it came about 3:

Please refer to ‘[4]Have your say on a proposed land exchange with Massey
University’ on our website and the ‘Atawhai Park and Walkway - Land
Exchange with Massey University’ report presented to Council on 6 August
2025 which is publicly available in our [5]website.

 

Q3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention that PNCC intends
to dissolve Easement 2:

Our Property Officer provides the following information:

Our communications about the proposed land exchange with Massey University
were intended to let the community know about the new easement proposals
and land exchange. Easement 2 is only being proposed to be discharged
because it would be replaced by Easement 3. Both the sign and the letter
referred recipients to our [6]website, which contained additional
information.

 

Q4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement
2, once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing easy
access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park and
Turitea Stream:

Our Property Officer provides the following information:

Easement 2 is a very steep part of the existing walking track as it goes
down into Bledisloe Park. This section is part of the Te Araroa Trail and
has been badly affected by erosion and slips. Because of this, it is
sometimes closed and requires a lot of maintenance. The track also has
steep stairs, which can make it difficult for some people to use. If the
erosion continues, this short part of the walkway may need to be closed
permanently. To help avoid this, we are proposing an alternative walkway
from Atawhai Park into Bledisloe Park (Easement 3). This new route would
follow a gentler slope, be easier to maintain and reduce costs in the long
run. The possible route is shown in Figure 3. If Easement 3 goes ahead and
part of the Bledisloe Track is closed, Easement 2 would no longer be
needed and would be discharged.

 

Q5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap:

The approximate costs for the proposed land exchange are:

Advertising costs: (includes signage, public notice and $885 (excl. GST)
letters to residents.)
Surveying fees: $10k (excl. GST)
Legal fees: $7k (excl. GST)

 

Q6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future
plan for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part Section
208 TN of Fitzherbert:

Please refer to the information provided in response to question 1 (pg.
51-61). We also hold a historic resource consent application from Massey
University in 2010 to subdivide 91 Atawhai Road. This consent application
was withdrawn in December 2010.

 

Extension required:

We are still confirming whether we hold any other information relevant to
this part of your request. We will confirm this and let you know by 17
October 2025.

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[7]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Douglas Collis

Legal Officer

Āpiha Ture

Official Information Team
Legal Services

Palmerston North City Council
[8][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

06 356 8199

[9]pncc.govt.nz

 

From: LGOIMA Requests
Sent: Tuesday, 23 September 2025 9:58 am
To: [10][FOI #32131 email]
Subject: FW: LGOIMA SRC0323615 Official Information request - All
Information relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

Kia ora Mr Clark

 

I refer to your official information request received on 27 August 2025
for information pertaining to the proposed Atawhai Park land exchange with
Massey University.

 

Extension required

The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA)
requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than
20 working days after the day we received your request. Unfortunately, it
will not be possible to meet that time limit and we are therefore writing
to notify you of an extension of the time to make our decision, to 1
October 2025. However, if we can respond prior to this date, we will do
so. This extension is required to enable us to undertake consultations
with a third-party which is necessary before we can make a decision about
your request. Therefore, a proper response to your request cannot
reasonably be made within the original time limit.

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[11]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Douglas Collis

Legal Officer

Āpiha Ture

Official Information Team
Legal Services

Palmerston North City Council
[12][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

06 356 8199

[13]pncc.govt.nz

 

-----Original Message-----
From: LGOIMA Requests <[14][email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 27 August 2025 9:14 am
To: [15][FOI #32131 email]
Subject: LGOIMA SRC0323615 Official Information request - All Information
relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

Kia ora R Clark

 

We have received your official information request We received your
request on 26/8/2025 for information pertaining to the proposed Atawhai
Park land exchange with Massey University.

 

We will do our best to respond to your request as soon as possible and no
later than 23/9/2025. If we aren’t able to respond to your request within
this 20 working day period, we will let you know. 

  

We are working on your request

We are currently gathering any information we hold that relates to your
request. If we need to clarify anything, we'll get in touch with you.  

  

On some occasions we need to charge for the cost of labour and materials
involved in making information available, or for making information
available urgently. If a charge is required, we will let you know before
your request is processed.   

  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by emailing
[16][Palmerston North City Council request email]. Your reference number is LGOIMA SRC0323615   

  

Ngā mihi

 

Merle Lavin

Governance Support Officer

 

Official Information Team

Legal Services

 

Palmerston North City Council

Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square

Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

 

06 356 8199

pncc.govt.nz

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: R Clarke <[17][FOI #32131 email]>

Sent: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 8:38 pm

To: LGOIMA Requests <[18][email address]>

Subject: Official Information request - All Information relating to the
proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

Dear Palmerston North City Council,

 

I request:

1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land exchange
at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed subdivision of Massey's
landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey University and/or any other entity,
stakeholder or individual, including all information and documentation
between the parties prior to and leading up to this proposed land
exchange, to August 2025.

2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and
how it came about 3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention
that PNCC intends to dissolve Easement 2. By withholding this information,
PNCC is misleading the community.

4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement 2,
once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing easy
access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park and
Turitea Stream.

5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap.

6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future plan
for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part Section 208 TN
of Fitzherbert

 

Yours faithfully

R Clarke

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[19][FOI #32131 email]

 

Is [20][Palmerston North City Council request email] the wrong address for Official Information
requests to Palmerston North City Council? If so, please contact us using
this form:

[21]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[22]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

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.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

References

Visible links
1. https://azurepnccgovt.sharepoint.com/:b:...
2. https://azurepnccgovt.sharepoint.com/:b:...
3. https://palmerstonnorth.infocouncil.biz/...
4. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/Participate-Pal...
5. https://palmerstonnorth.infocouncil.biz/...
6. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/Participate-Pal...
7. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
8. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
9. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
10. mailto:[FOI #32131 email]
11. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
12. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
13. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
14. mailto:[email address]
15. mailto:[FOI #32131 email]
16. mailto:[Palmerston North City Council request email]
17. mailto:[FOI #32131 email]
18. mailto:[email address]
19. mailto:[FOI #32131 email]
20. mailto:[Palmerston North City Council request email]
21. https://fyi.org.nz/change_request/new?bo...
22. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Mōrena Mr Clarke

 

We have split the linked information into two files. The first file is
attached.

 

We will send through the second file shortly.

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Douglas Collis

Legal Officer

Āpiha Ture

Official Information Team
Legal Services

Palmerston North City Council
[1][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

06 356 8199

[2]pncc.govt.nz

 

-----Original Message-----
From: R Clarke <[FOI #32131 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 9:12 pm
To: LGOIMA Requests <[email address]>
Subject: Re: FW: LGOIMA SRC0323615 Official Information request - All
Information relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

Dear LGOIMA Requests,

 

Unfortunately the majority of the links you have sent do not work, and I
cannot open.  Can you please re-send all documents as attachments, or in a
cloud file or zip file.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

R Clarke

 

-----Original Message-----

 

Kia ora Mr Clark

 

 

 

I refer to your official information request (Our ref: SRC0323615 ) 
received on 27 August 2025 for:

 

 

 

 1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land 
exchange at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed  subdivision
of Massey's landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey  University and/or any
other entity, stakeholder or individual,  including all information and
documentation between the parties prior  to and leading up to this
proposed land exchange, to August 2025.

 2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and 
how it came about 3.

 3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention that PNCC intends 
to dissolve Easement 2.

 4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement 
2, once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing  easy
access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park  and
Turitea Stream.

 5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap.

 6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future 
plan for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part  Section
208 TN of Fitzherbert.

 

 

 

Our response

 

Q1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land 
exchange at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed subdivision
of  Massey's landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey University and/or any
other  entity, stakeholder or individual, including all information and 
documentation between the parties prior to and leading up to this
proposed  land exchange, to August 2025:

 

The information requested can be viewed at this [1]​pdf icon[2] link 
(refer to pages 1-50).

 

 

 

Decision to withhold some information requested:

 

We have made redactions in the information released to you and withheld 
documents. The section/s relied on to withhold the information is noted
in  the document and refers to the Local Government Official Information
and  Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).

 

 

 

Privacy – names, phone numbers and email address of third parties, 
signatures of employees of third parties and name of former Council 
officer and mobile phone number of officers

 

We have withheld the names, phone numbers and email addresses of 
third-party employees of Massey University and WSP, the mobile phone 
numbers of Council officers, comments about personal leave and illnesses, 
names of a former employee and the signatures of Massey University and
The  Property Group employees in accordance with section 7(2)(a) of the
Local  Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).
Section

7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA provides that there is a good reason for
withholding  official information when the withholding of information is
necessary to  protect the privacy of natural persons. The release of this
information  would disclose the names, phone numbers, email addresses and
signatures of  third-party employees and former officer name and officer
mobile phone  numbers which is their private affairs. We have considered
the public  interest in releasing this information, however we consider
the privacy of  individuals outweighs the public interest in this
instance.

 

 

 

Maintain the effective conduct of public affairs (free and frank) – draft 
reports, officer opinions

 

We have withheld draft Council reports and comments/opinions by officers 
discussing the need for further advice regarding access to a walkway in 
accordance with section 7(2)(f)(i) of the LGOIMA. Section 7(2)(f)(i) of 
the LGOIMA provides that there is a good reason for withholding official 
information when the withholding of information is necessary to maintain 
the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank 
expression of opinions by or between officers in the course of their 
duties. We consider that it is important for officers to be able to 
collaborate with each other and revise draft reports and express opinions 
about areas where further advice/discussions may be required. If
released,  the future exchange of free and frank opinions could be
inhibited and that  inhibition would prejudice the effective and efficient
conduct of public  affairs as staff no longer feel free to test or
exchange ideas with one  another or seek feedback from third parties when
drafting reports. This  would limit our ability to test out ideas with
third parties to review and  contribute draft Council reports which may
lead to less robust reports and  make officers less likely to seek further
advice. Consequently, we  consider that the public interest in the release
of this information does  not outweigh the considerations in favour of
withholding the information.

We note that a final copy of the draft report has been publicly released 
and a link is provided in this response.

 

 

 

Please note that we have also withheld information and documents that are 
outside the scope of your request. This information relates to separate 
agreements and discussions about walking paths and tracks that are not 
directly relevant to the land exchange. In addition, we have not provided 
you with a copy of the report to Council on 6 August 2025 as this is 
already publicly available on our [3]website (pg. 91-99).  

 

 

 

Q2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and 
how it came about 3:

 

Please refer to ‘[4]Have your say on a proposed land exchange with Massey 
University’ on our website and the ‘Atawhai Park and Walkway - Land 
Exchange with Massey University’ report presented to Council on 6 August

2025 which is publicly available in our [5]website.

 

 

 

Q3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention that PNCC intends 
to dissolve Easement 2:

 

Our Property Officer provides the following information:

 

Our communications about the proposed land exchange with Massey
University  were intended to let the community know about the new easement
proposals  and land exchange. Easement 2 is only being proposed to be
discharged  because it would be replaced by Easement 3. Both the sign and
the letter  referred recipients to our [6]website, which contained
additional  information.

 

 

 

Q4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement 
2, once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing easy 
access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park and 
Turitea Stream:

 

Our Property Officer provides the following information:

 

Easement 2 is a very steep part of the existing walking track as it goes 
down into Bledisloe Park. This section is part of the Te Araroa Trail and 
has been badly affected by erosion and slips. Because of this, it is 
sometimes closed and requires a lot of maintenance. The track also has 
steep stairs, which can make it difficult for some people to use. If the 
erosion continues, this short part of the walkway may need to be closed 
permanently. To help avoid this, we are proposing an alternative walkway
 from Atawhai Park into Bledisloe Park (Easement 3). This new route would 
follow a gentler slope, be easier to maintain and reduce costs in the
long  run. The possible route is shown in Figure 3. If Easement 3 goes
ahead and  part of the Bledisloe Track is closed, Easement 2 would no
longer be  needed and would be discharged.

 

 

 

Q5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap:

 

The approximate costs for the proposed land exchange are:

 

Advertising costs: (includes signage, public notice and $885 (excl. GST) 
letters to residents.)  Surveying fees: $10k (excl. GST)  Legal fees: $7k
(excl. GST)

 

 

 

Q6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future 
plan for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part Section

208 TN of Fitzherbert:

 

Please refer to the information provided in response to question 1 (pg.

51-61). We also hold a historic resource consent application from Massey 
University in 2010 to subdivide 91 Atawhai Road. This consent application 
was withdrawn in December 2010.

 

 

 

Extension required:

 

We are still confirming whether we hold any other information relevant to 
this part of your request. We will confirm this and let you know by 17 
October 2025.

 

 

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman
of  this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available
at

[7][3]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

 

 

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

 

Douglas Collis

 

Legal Officer

 

Āpiha Ture

 

Official Information Team

Legal Services

 

Palmerston North City Council

[8][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square  Private Bag 11034, Palmerston
North 4442

 

06 356 8199

 

[9]pncc.govt.nz

 

 

 

From: LGOIMA Requests

Sent: Tuesday, 23 September 2025 9:58 am

To: [10][FOI #32131 email]

Subject: FW: LGOIMA SRC0323615 Official Information request - All 
Information relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

 

 

Kia ora Mr Clark

 

 

 

I refer to your official information request received on 27 August 2025 
for information pertaining to the proposed Atawhai Park land exchange
with  Massey University.

 

 

 

Extension required

 

The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) 
requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than

20 working days after the day we received your request. Unfortunately, it 
will not be possible to meet that time limit and we are therefore writing 
to notify you of an extension of the time to make our decision, to 1 
October 2025. However, if we can respond prior to this date, we will do 
so. This extension is required to enable us to undertake consultations 
with a third-party which is necessary before we can make a decision about 
your request. Therefore, a proper response to your request cannot 
reasonably be made within the original time limit.

 

 

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman
of  this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available
at

[11][4]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

 

Douglas Collis

 

Legal Officer

 

Āpiha Ture

 

Official Information Team

Legal Services

 

Palmerston North City Council

[12][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square  Private Bag 11034, Palmerston
North 4442

 

06 356 8199

 

[13]pncc.govt.nz

 

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[5][FOI #32131 email]

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[6]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

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.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

References

Visible links
1. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
2. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
3. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
4. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
5. mailto:[FOI #32131 email]
6. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections

Mōrena Mr Clarke

 

We have split the linked information into two files. The second file is
attached.

 

Please let us know if you have any further difficulties in accessing the
information.

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Douglas Collis

Legal Officer

Āpiha Ture

Official Information Team
Legal Services

Palmerston North City Council
[1][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

06 356 8199

[2]pncc.govt.nz

 

From: LGOIMA Requests
Sent: Friday, 3 October 2025 8:17 am
To: 'R Clarke' <[FOI #32131 email]>
Subject: RE: FW: LGOIMA SRC0323615 Official Information request - All
Information relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

Mōrena Mr Clarke

 

We have split the linked information into two files. The first file is
attached.

 

We will send through the second file shortly.

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Douglas Collis

Legal Officer

Āpiha Ture

Official Information Team
Legal Services

Palmerston North City Council
[3][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442

06 356 8199

[4]pncc.govt.nz

 

-----Original Message-----
From: R Clarke <[5][FOI #32131 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 9:12 pm
To: LGOIMA Requests <[6][email address]>
Subject: Re: FW: LGOIMA SRC0323615 Official Information request - All
Information relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

Dear LGOIMA Requests,

 

Unfortunately the majority of the links you have sent do not work, and I
cannot open.  Can you please re-send all documents as attachments, or in a
cloud file or zip file.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

R Clarke

 

-----Original Message-----

 

Kia ora Mr Clark

 

 

 

I refer to your official information request (Our ref: SRC0323615 ) 
received on 27 August 2025 for:

 

 

 

 1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land 
exchange at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed  subdivision
of Massey's landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey  University and/or any
other entity, stakeholder or individual,  including all information and
documentation between the parties prior  to and leading up to this
proposed land exchange, to August 2025.

 2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and 
how it came about 3.

 3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention that PNCC intends 
to dissolve Easement 2.

 4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement 
2, once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing  easy
access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park  and
Turitea Stream.

 5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap.

 6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future 
plan for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part  Section
208 TN of Fitzherbert.

 

 

 

Our response

 

Q1. All information/documentation held regarding the proposed land 
exchange at Atawhai Park Palmerston North (and the proposed subdivision
of  Massey's landlocked land) between PNCC, Massey University and/or any
other  entity, stakeholder or individual, including all information and 
documentation between the parties prior to and leading up to this
proposed  land exchange, to August 2025:

 

The information requested can be viewed at this [1]​pdf icon[2] link 
(refer to pages 1-50).

 

 

 

Decision to withhold some information requested:

 

We have made redactions in the information released to you and withheld 
documents. The section/s relied on to withhold the information is noted
in  the document and refers to the Local Government Official Information
and  Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).

 

 

 

Privacy – names, phone numbers and email address of third parties, 
signatures of employees of third parties and name of former Council 
officer and mobile phone number of officers

 

We have withheld the names, phone numbers and email addresses of 
third-party employees of Massey University and WSP, the mobile phone 
numbers of Council officers, comments about personal leave and illnesses, 
names of a former employee and the signatures of Massey University and
The  Property Group employees in accordance with section 7(2)(a) of the
Local  Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).
Section

7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA provides that there is a good reason for
withholding  official information when the withholding of information is
necessary to  protect the privacy of natural persons. The release of this
information  would disclose the names, phone numbers, email addresses and
signatures of  third-party employees and former officer name and officer
mobile phone  numbers which is their private affairs. We have considered
the public  interest in releasing this information, however we consider
the privacy of  individuals outweighs the public interest in this
instance.

 

 

 

Maintain the effective conduct of public affairs (free and frank) – draft 
reports, officer opinions

 

We have withheld draft Council reports and comments/opinions by officers 
discussing the need for further advice regarding access to a walkway in 
accordance with section 7(2)(f)(i) of the LGOIMA. Section 7(2)(f)(i) of 
the LGOIMA provides that there is a good reason for withholding official 
information when the withholding of information is necessary to maintain 
the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank 
expression of opinions by or between officers in the course of their 
duties. We consider that it is important for officers to be able to 
collaborate with each other and revise draft reports and express opinions 
about areas where further advice/discussions may be required. If
released,  the future exchange of free and frank opinions could be
inhibited and that  inhibition would prejudice the effective and efficient
conduct of public  affairs as staff no longer feel free to test or
exchange ideas with one  another or seek feedback from third parties when
drafting reports. This  would limit our ability to test out ideas with
third parties to review and  contribute draft Council reports which may
lead to less robust reports and  make officers less likely to seek further
advice. Consequently, we  consider that the public interest in the release
of this information does  not outweigh the considerations in favour of
withholding the information.

We note that a final copy of the draft report has been publicly released 
and a link is provided in this response.

 

 

 

Please note that we have also withheld information and documents that are 
outside the scope of your request. This information relates to separate 
agreements and discussions about walking paths and tracks that are not 
directly relevant to the land exchange. In addition, we have not provided 
you with a copy of the report to Council on 6 August 2025 as this is 
already publicly available on our [3]website (pg. 91-99).  

 

 

 

Q2. All information/documentation held on the proposed new Easement 3 and 
how it came about 3:

 

Please refer to ‘[4]Have your say on a proposed land exchange with Massey 
University’ on our website and the ‘Atawhai Park and Walkway - Land 
Exchange with Massey University’ report presented to Council on 6 August

2025 which is publicly available in our [5]website.

 

 

 

Q3. Why the Mail Drop and sign on-site does not mention that PNCC intends 
to dissolve Easement 2:

 

Our Property Officer provides the following information:

 

Our communications about the proposed land exchange with Massey
University  were intended to let the community know about the new easement
proposals  and land exchange. Easement 2 is only being proposed to be
discharged  because it would be replaced by Easement 3. Both the sign and
the letter  referred recipients to our [6]website, which contained
additional  information.

 

 

 

Q4. All information/documentation held regarding the removal of Easement 
2, once Easement 3 is in place, and why PNCC has proposed removing easy 
access for Clifton Tce and Atawhai Rd residents to Bledisloe Park and 
Turitea Stream:

 

Our Property Officer provides the following information:

 

Easement 2 is a very steep part of the existing walking track as it goes 
down into Bledisloe Park. This section is part of the Te Araroa Trail and 
has been badly affected by erosion and slips. Because of this, it is 
sometimes closed and requires a lot of maintenance. The track also has 
steep stairs, which can make it difficult for some people to use. If the 
erosion continues, this short part of the walkway may need to be closed 
permanently. To help avoid this, we are proposing an alternative walkway
 from Atawhai Park into Bledisloe Park (Easement 3). This new route would 
follow a gentler slope, be easier to maintain and reduce costs in the
long  run. The possible route is shown in Figure 3. If Easement 3 goes
ahead and  part of the Bledisloe Track is closed, Easement 2 would no
longer be  needed and would be discharged.

 

 

 

Q5. Breakdown of proposed costs for PNCC to undertake this land swap:

 

The approximate costs for the proposed land exchange are:

 

Advertising costs: (includes signage, public notice and $885 (excl. GST) 
letters to residents.)  Surveying fees: $10k (excl. GST)  Legal fees: $7k
(excl. GST)

 

 

 

Q6. Any information and/or documentation regarding the Proposed future 
plan for this area including Lot 1 DP 1880, Lot 1 DP 41653, Part Section

208 TN of Fitzherbert:

 

Please refer to the information provided in response to question 1 (pg.

51-61). We also hold a historic resource consent application from Massey 
University in 2010 to subdivide 91 Atawhai Road. This consent application 
was withdrawn in December 2010.

 

 

 

Extension required:

 

We are still confirming whether we hold any other information relevant to 
this part of your request. We will confirm this and let you know by 17 
October 2025.

 

 

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman
of  this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available
at

[7][7]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

 

 

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

 

Douglas Collis

 

Legal Officer

 

Āpiha Ture

 

Official Information Team

Legal Services

 

Palmerston North City Council

[8][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square  Private Bag 11034, Palmerston
North 4442

 

06 356 8199

 

[9]pncc.govt.nz

 

 

 

From: LGOIMA Requests

Sent: Tuesday, 23 September 2025 9:58 am

To: [10][FOI #32131 email]

Subject: FW: LGOIMA SRC0323615 Official Information request - All 
Information relating to the proposed land exchange at Atawhai Park

 

 

 

Kia ora Mr Clark

 

 

 

I refer to your official information request received on 27 August 2025 
for information pertaining to the proposed Atawhai Park land exchange
with  Massey University.

 

 

 

Extension required

 

The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) 
requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no later than

20 working days after the day we received your request. Unfortunately, it 
will not be possible to meet that time limit and we are therefore writing 
to notify you of an extension of the time to make our decision, to 1 
October 2025. However, if we can respond prior to this date, we will do 
so. This extension is required to enable us to undertake consultations 
with a third-party which is necessary before we can make a decision about 
your request. Therefore, a proper response to your request cannot 
reasonably be made within the original time limit.

 

 

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman
of  this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available
at

[11][8]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

 

 

Douglas Collis

 

Legal Officer

 

Āpiha Ture

 

Official Information Team

Legal Services

 

Palmerston North City Council

[12][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square  Private Bag 11034, Palmerston
North 4442

 

06 356 8199

 

[13]pncc.govt.nz

 

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[9][FOI #32131 email]

 

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:

[10]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

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.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

References

Visible links
1. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
2. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
3. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
4. https://www.pncc.govt.nz/
5. mailto:[FOI #32131 email]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
8. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
9. mailto:[FOI #32131 email]
10. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers

hide quoted sections