4 November 2025
DOIA-REQ-0022160
Patricia Brevis
[FYI request #32490 email] Tēnā koe Patricia,
Thank you for your email of 6 October 2025 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
for the following information, which we are considering under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act):
1. Contracts and funding agreements
All contracts, service agreements, and funding documents between the New Zealand Government
(including Immigration New Zealand, MBIE, and any other agencies) and Asylum Seekers Support
Trust (ASST) for the years 2025, 2026 and subsequent periods.
2. Specific budget documents
Budget allocations, funding proposals and approvals related to asylum seeker support services
provided by ASST from January 2025 onwards.
3. Official correspondence
All correspondence between government officials and ASST representatives regarding contract
renewals, funding extensions or new agreements for 2025-2026.
4. Evaluations and reports
Service evaluation reports, performance reviews or cost analyses related to ASST services funded by
the government for the 2025-2026 period.
Timeframe: Since 2023 to present (to include negotiations and planning) and subsequent periods.
I am writing to advise you that MBIE has decided to extend the period of time available to make a decision
on your request under section 15A(1)(b) of the Act, as the 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. We are extending the timeframe with in which to make a decision on your request to 2 December
2025, however we will endeavour to provide a response sooner, if possible.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of our decision to extend the
time limit. Information about how to make a complaint is available
at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Emma Atkins
Manager, Ministerial Services
Office of the Deputy Secretary Immigration
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
