Dear Indigo,
I refer to your request of 25 October 2025. As consultations necessary to
make a decision on your request are such that a response  cannot
reasonably be given within the original time limit, the University  has
extended the time limit for your request by 25 working days under
 section 15A(1)(b) of the OIA. The new maximum time limit for the
University's response is 20 January 2026. We will respond to your request
as soon as  reasonably practicable.

You have the right to make a complaint to an Ombudsman if you are
dissatisfied with this extension.
Yours sincerely,

Landon Watt
Legal Advisor
Office of the Vice-Chancellor

Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland 

-----Original Message-----
From: Indigo Woods <[FOI #32661 email]>
Sent: Saturday, 25 October 2025 3:49 pm
To: legal <[University of Auckland request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Vernon Jansen Unit Animal Usage
Statistics

Dear University of Auckland,

I am requesting information relating to the Vernon Jansen Unit (VJU), the
animal breeding unit at the University of Auckland, for the period from 1
January 2022 to the present. I would like the information provided in
Excel format ideally.

A number of animal statistics are collected when researchers apply for the
use of animals. I am requesting access to these statistics in full,
including annual counts per category where applicable:

[1A] Species and strain: the number of animals used per species and strain
per year.

[1B] Source of animals: the number of animals per year from each source,
including breeding unit (with prior use / no prior use), commercial
supplier, farm, born during project, captured, imported into New Zealand,
and public sources.

[1C] Status of animals: the number of animals per year in each status
category, including normal/conventional, SPF/germ-free, diseased,
transgenic/chimeric, protected species, unborn/pre-hatched, and other.

[1D] Purpose of use: the number of animals per year used for teaching,
species conservation, environmental management, animal husbandry, basic
biological research, medical research, veterinary research, testing,
production of biological agents, development of alternatives, and other.

[1E] Impact grading: the number of animals per year in each impact
category, including no impact – A, little impact – B, moderate impact – C,
high impact – D, very high impact – E.

[1F] Alive/dead counts: the number of animals per year that were retained,
returned, released, or disposed.

[1G] Total number of animals manipulated or used per year.

[2] Current species and strains available to researchers in 2025,
including the cost per animal.

[3] Which University department or office oversees the VJU, as well as the
contact details for the VJU.

[4] Number of staff FTE currently employed or assigned to the VJU.

[5] Any non-compliance reports or corrective actions issued to the VJU
since 1 January 2022.

[6] Copies of any internal audits or reviews conducted since 1 January
2022, even if partially redacted.

[7] The training, certification, or induction required for staff or
students accessing the VJU.

[8] Copies or outlines of standard training modules or induction
materials.

[9] Any budget or funding allocations for animal facility maintenance,
upgrades, or refurbishment within the period 1 January 2022 to the
present.

Thank you for your time and effort in providing this information.

Yours faithfully,

Indigo Woods

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