133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
23 December 2025
Grace Haden
By email: [FYI request #32833 email]
Ref:
H2025075507
Tēnā koe Grace
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Ministry of
Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) on 13 November 2025 for information regarding the
Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC). You requested:
With regards to the The Fixated Threat Assessment Centre your page gives very little
information but states "As of 1 July 2019, FTAC has been established on a permanent
basis.” Please provide the legislation which creates this "organisation", details of its
structure and organisation and accountability to the public
The FTAC does not have a standalone statute. Its establishment and operation are authorised
under existing legislation, including:
• Public Service Act 2020 - governing the public service and its operations,
• Privacy Act 2020 - governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information;
and
• Official Information Act 1982 - providing transparency and accountability in government
operations.
FTAC was established as a permanent service in July 2019 following a successful trial. It is
staffed by New Zealand Police and Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, with referrals primarily
(though not exclusively) received via the Parliamentary Service, focusing on individuals who
may be fixated on Members of Parliament.
FTAC operates under Standard Operating Procedures and an Information-Sharing Protocol,
which outline roles, responsibilities, and safeguards for handling personal information. While
FTAC staff have access to the information collected by the service, criminal records and health
information are stored separately and shared only to the extent necessary for FTAC to carry out
its functions. Health information may be shared with Health New Zealand services where
necessary to arrange for a person’s assessment and treatment.
FTAC is overseen by a governance group comprising senior officials from four core agencies:
New Zealand Police, Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand, and the Parliamentary Service.
Accountability is maintained through:
• Oversight by the Governance Group, ensuring FTAC operates lawfully and
proportionately; and
• Compliance with the Public Service Act 2020, Privacy Act 2020 and Official Information
Act 1982.
I trust this information fulfils your request. If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with
us, including this decision, please feel free to contact the OIA Services Team on:
[email address]. Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any
decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Ministry website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-official-
information-act-requests. Nāku noa, nā
Jennie Kerr
Acting Deputy Director-General Regulatory Services | Te Pou Tāhū
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