Operation Curly documentary
Will Evans made this Official Information request to New Zealand Police
Response to this request is long overdue. By law New Zealand Police should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.
From: Will Evans
Kia ora,
I’d like to make an OIA request for information held by the Police.
I would like the following information:
* All communications between the Police and NHNZ Productions regarding or Tom Phillips search/investigation (officially known as Operation Curly), and the documentary NHNZ has been producing about Tom Phillips.
* All communications between the Police and Dame Julie Christie regarding the aformentioned Police search/investigation and documentary.
* All communications between the Police and any members of the crew of the aforementioned documentary that pertain to or otherwise mention the aforementioned documentary and Police search/investigation.
* Copies of any written agreements or contracts the Police had with NHNZ Productions, Dame Julie Christie, or the crew of the aforementioned documentary.
* All other Police documents pertaining to or otherwise mentioning the aforementioned documentary.
For context: on September 10 Radio New Zealand reported that an NHNZ Productions documentary crew had been following the Police search/investigation into Tom Phillips.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/screens/tv/do...
Ngā mihi,
Will Evans
From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police
Tēnā koe Will
I acknowledge receipt of your Official Information Act 1982 request below, received by Police on 24 September 2025.
Your reference number is IR-01-25-36318.
You can expect a response to your request on or before 22 October 2025 unless an extension is needed.
Ngā mihi
McCoy
Ministerial Services
Police National Headquarters
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From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police
Kia ora Will
I refer to your request below. I have been asked to advise you that Police requires an extension of time in which to respond to your request, pursuant to section 15A(1) of the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Specifically, section 15A(1)(b), consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response to the request cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.
Police requires until 20 November 2025 to provide a substantive response to your request, however we are endeavouring to provide this to you as soon as possible.
You have the right, under section 28(3) of the OIA, to make a complaint to an Ombudsman about this extension. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngā mihi,
Tracy
Senior Advisor | Ministerial Services
Police National Headquarters
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From: Will Evans
Kia ora,
Given that today is the 20th of November and it's getting a bit late, could I please be provided with a copy of the substantive response?
Ngā mihi,
Will Evans
From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Police
Kia ora Will
I apologise for the lateness of the response to your OIA. Unfortunately, it is still being drafted and it will then progress through our internal consultation process. We are endeavouring to get this to you as soon as practicable.
You have the right, under section 28(3) of the OIA, to make a complaint to an Ombudsman about this delay. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngā mihi,
Tracy
Senior Advisor | Ministerial Services
Police National Headquarters
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From: Will Evans
Kia ora,
I don't see any reason to make a complaint I'm not really a stickler on the deadline for this request and I don't want to get anyone into strife or bring the Ombudsman into this, I don't find that necessary.
However, if you could give me a date I could expect a decision to be made by I would be grateful and that would give me even less reason to make a complaint.
Ngā mihi,
Will
From: WINCH, Megan
New Zealand Police
Kia ora Will. The response to your request is still being drafted and then it will need to go through our review and approval processes, so unfortunately I am unable at this stage to give you a date by which you can expect the response. I can assure you we are working to get the response to you as soon as possible and thank you for your understanding.
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Winch |Team Leader: Ministerial Services |(she/her)
Policy & Government Relations |Police National Headquarters |
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From: Will Evans
Kia ora,
Just wondering how things are going with this? I get it's a busy time of year, with Christmas holidays and all, but do you think it is on track to be done before New Years?
Ngā mihi,
Will
From: WINCH, Megan
New Zealand Police
Kia ora Will. My apologies for the delay in getting your response to you. It is going through the signout process at the moment and I am hopeful you will get the response before the Christmas break. Thank you for your patience, Megan
Megan Winch |Team Leader: Ministerial Services |(she/her)
Policy & Government Relations |Police National Headquarters |
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From: WINCH, Megan
New Zealand Police
Hi Will. Just to advise that your response has been drafted and is going
through the signout process. We are doing our best to get this to you as
soon as possible and thank you for your patience. Kind regards Megan
Ngā mihi
Megan
Megan Winch |Team Leader: Ministerial Services |([1]she/her)
Policy & Government Relations |Police National Headquarters |
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