Official Information Act request regarding nitrate levels in waterways
Kieran Pegler made this Official Information request to Todd McClay
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From: Kieran Pegler
Dear Todd McClay,
On 18 September, 2025, you told Morning Report that "I've seen reports that it feels a little bit gimmicky, just so close to election ... it was the last day before they're all going off and campaigning,"
Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following information:
All reports, briefings, memos, emails, or documents (including internal ministry documents, external advice, or industry reports) that you have seen, received, or been made aware of regarding nitrate levels in New Zealand’s environment or waterways which form the basis of your recent comment that the nitrate emergency declaration “felt a little bit gimmicky.”
Specifically, I seek any documents that conclude, suggest, or imply that current nitrate levels are acceptable, pose no significant risk, or do not warrant emergency action.
The dates on which you received or were made aware of these reports
The authors or originating organizations of such reports.
As required under section 15 of the Official Information Act, I look forward to your response within 20 working days of receipt of this request.
Yours faithfully,
Kieran Pegler
From: Todd McClay (MIN)
Todd McClay
Dear Kieran,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information request which we
received on 18 September for the following information;
On 18 September, 2025, you told Morning Report that "I've seen reports
that it feels a little bit gimmicky, just so close to election ... it was
the last day before they're all going off and campaigning,"
Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following
information:
All reports, briefings, memos, emails, or documents (including internal
ministry documents, external advice, or industry reports) that you have
seen, received, or been made aware of regarding nitrate levels in New
Zealand’s environment or waterways which form the basis of your recent
comment that the nitrate emergency declaration “felt a little bit
gimmicky.”
Specifically, I seek any documents that conclude, suggest, or imply that
current nitrate levels are acceptable, pose no significant risk, or do not
warrant emergency action.
The dates on which you received or were made aware of these reports
The authors or originating organizations of such reports.
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
any event no later than 20 working days after the day your request was
received.
If we are unable to respond to your request within the appropriate
timeframe, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. If your
OIA request requires full or part transfer, we will contact you within the
required timeframe.
Kind regards,
[1]A blue and white Office of Hon Todd McClay
emblem Description
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generated
MP for Rotorua
Minister of Agriculture
Minister of Forestry
Minister for Trade and Investment
Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs
DDI: (04) 817 6810
Email: [2][email address] Website:
[3]www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
6160, New Zealand
show quoted sections
From: Todd McClay (MIN)
Todd McClay
Kia ora,
On behalf of Hon Todd McClay, please find attached a response to your
information request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act).
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Todd McClay
Office of Hon Todd McClay
MP for Rotorua
Minister of Agriculture
Minister of Forestry
Minister for Trade and Investment
Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs
DDI: 04 817 6810
Email: [1][email address] Website: [2]www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
References
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1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.beehive,govt.nz/
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