2 December 2025
Roger Brown
Dear Roger Brown,
Thank you for your email of 4 November 2025 in which you requested the following
under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA):
“The ‘@NewZealandMFA’ Twitter/X was used to make a ‘post’ in the morning,
2025-10-28 Central European Time, with the text “We…, referencing a post by
Prime Minister Luxon about the new trade partnership agreement Luxon had
made with ASEAN and claiming credit for Luxon’s efforts. I understand this
account is, on occasion, used by Winston Peters. Given the importance of trade
relations with brotherly nations, and New Zealand’s history of abrupt decisions
made by political figures while tired and emotional:
1. Did Winston Peters make the post in question?
2. As of 31 October 2025, are there any rules or guidance about under which
circumstances Peters can or should use the account? i.e. hours of the day,
BAC levels, prescriptions, etc.”
In response to Part 1, Yes.
In response to Part 2, your request is refused under section 18(e) of the OIA, as the
information you have requested does not exist.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review of this decision by the Office of
the Ombudsman. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.govt.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Winston Peters
Minister of Foreign Affairs