Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
Ross Stewart made this Official Information request to Erica Stanford
This request has an unknown status. We're waiting for Ross Stewart to read recent responses and update the status.
From: Ross Stewart
Dear Erica Stanford,
Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
To: Government Official, Department of Education, New Zealand
Subject: Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
Dear Rt. Hon Mrs Stanford,
Background and Context
I am writing to request clarification regarding a significant contradiction in my case involving Mt Wellington Residential School and the Department of Education. Previously, when I sought information, I was told that no reports or records exist from either Mt Wellington Residential School or the Department of Education. However, after providing my testimony to an independent investigator hired by the Department, I was informed that my evidence had been accepted. Following this, I was granted both compensation and a government apology.
Concerns About the Process
The decision to award compensation and issue an apology suggests that some form of conclusive evidence must have been presented or considered. It is not credible to suggest that such significant redress would be granted solely based on my testimony. Typically, such actions imply that there were supporting materials—such as observations, notes, or records from Auckland Education Field Officers, or other documentation indicating suspicions or evidence of improprieties against pupils.
Request for Clarity
Therefore, I respectfully ask for a clear explanation regarding the basis on which the compensation and apology were granted. Specifically, I seek answers to the following:
What records, reports, or observations were relied upon in awarding compensation and apology?
If, as previously stated, no records exist, how was harm acknowledged and redress determined?
I request a clear and direct response by . Silence, dismissal, or denial will not be considered an adequate response.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability
This matter extends beyond my personal case. Survivors across New Zealand deserve transparency and accountability from the government. The response to this request must honour all testimony and ensure that no survivor is treated as if their experiences or truths can be erased.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Stewart
Yours faithfully,
Ross Stewart
From: Erica Stanford (MIN)
Erica Stanford
Thank you for contacting the Office of Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of
Education, Minister of Immigration, Lead Coordination Minister for the
Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into Historical
Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions, and
Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays.
We appreciate you reaching out – the Minister considers all correspondence
to be important, and all messages are carefully read and considered.
Please do note it is not always possible to provide a personal response to
every email received. Personal views, feedback and suggestions are
gratefully received and will be passed on to the Minister and/or relevant
Agencies.
Please note the following to help us direct your correspondence:
* If you are seeking ministerial intervention for an immigration case,
please contact Associate Minister of Immigration, Hon Chris Penk, at
[email address] Minister Stanford is unable to comment on
individual cases.
* Emails relating to education matters that are operational in
nature will be transferred to the Ministry of Education (or other
agency). Minister Stanford is unable to comment on individual cases.
You can contact the Ministry directly at:
[email address]
* For assistance related to historical abuse in state care, please
contact the Survivor Experiences Team at
[email address].
* If you have invited Minister Stanford to an event, or requested a
meeting, a member of staff may contact you for more information.
* Official Information or Privacy Act requests will be managed under the
relevant Acts, which may include transfer to another Agency.
* If you are a journalist, your request will be referred to the Press
Secretary.
* If you are a constituent of East Coast Bays, your email will be shared
with the Electorate Office.
Thank you again for writing to Minister Stanford.
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
Reception: +64 4 817 6805 | Ministerial Email:
[1][Erica Stanford request email] |
Web: beehive.govt.nz | Post: Freepost Parliament, Private Bag 18 041,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[Erica Stanford request email]
From: Erica Stanford (MIN)
Erica Stanford
OIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dear Ross,
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request,
received on 21/11/2025, in which you requested the following information:
Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
To: Government Official, Department of Education, New Zealand
Subject: Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation Dear Rt.
Hon Mrs Stanford, Background and Context I am writing to request
clarification regarding a significant contradiction in my case involving
Mt Wellington Residential School and the Department of Education.
Previously, when I sought information, I was told that no reports or
records exist from either Mt Wellington Residential School or the
Department of Education. However, after providing my testimony to an
independent investigator hired by the Department, I was informed that my
evidence had been accepted. Following this, I was granted both
compensation and a government apology.
Concerns About the Process
The decision to award compensation and issue an apology suggests that some
form of conclusive evidence must have been presented or considered. It is
not credible to suggest that such significant redress would be granted
solely based on my testimony. Typically, such actions imply that there
were supporting materials—such as observations, notes, or records from
Auckland Education Field Officers, or other documentation indicating
suspicions or evidence of improprieties against pupils.
Request for Clarity
Therefore, I respectfully ask for a clear explanation regarding the basis
on which the compensation and apology were granted. Specifically, I seek
answers to the following:
What records, reports, or observations were relied upon in awarding
compensation and apology?
If, as previously stated, no records exist, how was harm acknowledged and
redress determined?
I request a clear and direct response by . Silence, dismissal, or denial
will not be considered an adequate response.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability This matter extends beyond
my personal case. Survivors across New Zealand deserve transparency and
accountability from the government. The response to this request must
honour all testimony and ensure that no survivor is treated as if their
experiences or truths can be erased.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Stewart
Your request will be answered within the provisions of the Official
Information Act.
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
MP for East Coast Bays
Minister of Education
Minister of Immigration
Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal
Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care
of Faith-based Institutions
Website: [1]www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is
confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or
transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author
by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the
intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is
prohibited and may be unlawful.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ross Stewart <[FOI #32955 email]>
Sent: Friday, 21 November 2025 7:46 pm
To: Erica Stanford (MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: ESOIA796 | Official Information request - Request for
Clarification on Records and Compensation
Dear Erica Stanford,
Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
To: Government Official, Department of Education, New Zealand
Subject: Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation Dear Rt.
Hon Mrs Stanford, Background and Context I am writing to request
clarification regarding a significant contradiction in my case involving
Mt Wellington Residential School and the Department of Education.
Previously, when I sought information, I was told that no reports or
records exist from either Mt Wellington Residential School or the
Department of Education. However, after providing my testimony to an
independent investigator hired by the Department, I was informed that my
evidence had been accepted. Following this, I was granted both
compensation and a government apology.
Concerns About the Process
The decision to award compensation and issue an apology suggests that some
form of conclusive evidence must have been presented or considered. It is
not credible to suggest that such significant redress would be granted
solely based on my testimony. Typically, such actions imply that there
were supporting materials—such as observations, notes, or records from
Auckland Education Field Officers, or other documentation indicating
suspicions or evidence of improprieties against pupils.
Request for Clarity
Therefore, I respectfully ask for a clear explanation regarding the basis
on which the compensation and apology were granted. Specifically, I seek
answers to the following:
What records, reports, or observations were relied upon in awarding
compensation and apology?
If, as previously stated, no records exist, how was harm acknowledged and
redress determined?
I request a clear and direct response by . Silence, dismissal, or denial
will not be considered an adequate response.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability This matter extends beyond
my personal case. Survivors across New Zealand deserve transparency and
accountability from the government. The response to this request must
honour all testimony and ensure that no survivor is treated as if their
experiences or truths can be erased.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Stewart
Yours faithfully,
Ross Stewart
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[2][FOI #32955 email]
Is [3][Erica Stanford request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to Erica Stanford? If so, please contact us using
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From: Enquiries National
[UNCLASSIFIED]
Kia ora Ross
Thank you for the information request below, that was transferred to the
Ministry on 1 December 2025. The Ministry will consider and respond to
your request in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982 (the
Act).
Under section 15(1) of the Act, we are required to make and inform you of
our decision on your request as soon as reasonably practicable and in any
case not later than 20 working days after the day on which your request is
received. You can therefore expect to receive our decision on your
request on or before the 20 of January 2026. If more than 20 working days
are needed due to the potential workload and/or consultations involved in
answering your request, we will notify you accordingly.
Please note, the period between 25 December – 15 January are not
considered to be “working days” for the purposes of calculating the 20
working day timeframe for providing a response under the Act.
In the interim, if you have any questions about your request, please email
[1][email address].
Ngā mihi
Enquiries National Team | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of
Education | TW
[2]education.govt.nz
We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent
outcomes
He mea tārai e mātou te mātauranga kia rangatira ai, kia mana taurite ai
ōna huanga
[3]Te TD huhu o te MD tauranga
From: Erica Stanford (MIN) <[4][email address]>
Sent: Monday, 24 November 2025 10:45 am
To: Ross Stewart <[5][FOI #32955 email]>
Cc: Erica Stanford (MIN) <[6][email address]>
Subject: RE: ESOIA796 | Official Information request - Request for
Clarification on Records and Compensation
OIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dear Ross,
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request,
received on 21/11/2025, in which you requested the following information:
Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
To: Government Official, Department of Education, New Zealand
Subject: Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation Dear Rt.
Hon Mrs Stanford, Background and Context I am writing to request
clarification regarding a significant contradiction in my case involving
Mt Wellington Residential School and the Department of Education.
Previously, when I sought information, I was told that no reports or
records exist from either Mt Wellington Residential School or the
Department of Education. However, after providing my testimony to an
independent investigator hired by the Department, I was informed that my
evidence had been accepted. Following this, I was granted both
compensation and a government apology.
Concerns About the Process
The decision to award compensation and issue an apology suggests that some
form of conclusive evidence must have been presented or considered. It is
not credible to suggest that such significant redress would be granted
solely based on my testimony. Typically, such actions imply that there
were supporting materials—such as observations, notes, or records from
Auckland Education Field Officers, or other documentation indicating
suspicions or evidence of improprieties against pupils.
Request for Clarity
Therefore, I respectfully ask for a clear explanation regarding the basis
on which the compensation and apology were granted. Specifically, I seek
answers to the following:
What records, reports, or observations were relied upon in awarding
compensation and apology?
If, as previously stated, no records exist, how was harm acknowledged and
redress determined?
I request a clear and direct response by . Silence, dismissal, or denial
will not be considered an adequate response.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability This matter extends beyond
my personal case. Survivors across New Zealand deserve transparency and
accountability from the government. The response to this request must
honour all testimony and ensure that no survivor is treated as if their
experiences or truths can be erased.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Stewart
Your request will be answered within the provisions of the Official
Information Act.
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
MP for East Coast Bays
Minister of Education
Minister of Immigration
Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal
Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care
of Faith-based Institutions
Website: [7]www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is
confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or
transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author
by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the
intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is
prohibited and may be unlawful.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ross Stewart <[8][FOI #32955 email]>
Sent: Friday, 21 November 2025 7:46 pm
To: Erica Stanford (MIN) <[9][email address]>
Subject: ESOIA796 | Official Information request - Request for
Clarification on Records and Compensation
Dear Erica Stanford,
Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
To: Government Official, Department of Education, New Zealand
Subject: Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation Dear Rt.
Hon Mrs Stanford, Background and Context I am writing to request
clarification regarding a significant contradiction in my case involving
Mt Wellington Residential School and the Department of Education.
Previously, when I sought information, I was told that no reports or
records exist from either Mt Wellington Residential School or the
Department of Education. However, after providing my testimony to an
independent investigator hired by the Department, I was informed that my
evidence had been accepted. Following this, I was granted both
compensation and a government apology.
Concerns About the Process
The decision to award compensation and issue an apology suggests that some
form of conclusive evidence must have been presented or considered. It is
not credible to suggest that such significant redress would be granted
solely based on my testimony. Typically, such actions imply that there
were supporting materials—such as observations, notes, or records from
Auckland Education Field Officers, or other documentation indicating
suspicions or evidence of improprieties against pupils.
Request for Clarity
Therefore, I respectfully ask for a clear explanation regarding the basis
on which the compensation and apology were granted. Specifically, I seek
answers to the following:
What records, reports, or observations were relied upon in awarding
compensation and apology?
If, as previously stated, no records exist, how was harm acknowledged and
redress determined?
I request a clear and direct response by . Silence, dismissal, or denial
will not be considered an adequate response.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability This matter extends beyond
my personal case. Survivors across New Zealand deserve transparency and
accountability from the government. The response to this request must
honour all testimony and ensure that no survivor is treated as if their
experiences or truths can be erased.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Stewart
Yours faithfully,
Ross Stewart
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[10][FOI #32955 email]
Is [11][Erica Stanford request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to Erica Stanford? If so, please contact us using
this form:
[12]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fyi....
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
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[13]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fyi....
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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From: Erica Stanford (MIN)
Erica Stanford
Dear Ross,
Thank you for your email of 21 November 2025 requesting the following
information:
1. What records, reports, or observations were relied upon in
awarding compensation and apology?
2. If, as previously stated, no records exist, how was harm
acknowledged and redress determined?
The information requested is not held by my office, but is believed to be
held by the Ministry of Education (the Ministry). Your request has
therefore been transferred to the Ministry under section 14(b)(i) of the
Act. You can expect a response from the Ministry in due course.
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
MP for East Coast Bays
Minister of Education
Minister of Immigration
Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal
Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care
of Faith-based Institutions
Website: [1]www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is
confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or
transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author
by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the
intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is
prohibited and may be unlawful.
From: Erica Stanford (MIN) <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 24 November 2025 10:45 am
To: Ross Stewart <[FOI #32955 email]>
Cc: Erica Stanford (MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: RE: ESOIA796 | Official Information request - Request for
Clarification on Records and Compensation
OIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dear Ross,
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request,
received on 21/11/2025, in which you requested the following information:
Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
To: Government Official, Department of Education, New Zealand
Subject: Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation Dear Rt.
Hon Mrs Stanford, Background and Context I am writing to request
clarification regarding a significant contradiction in my case involving
Mt Wellington Residential School and the Department of Education.
Previously, when I sought information, I was told that no reports or
records exist from either Mt Wellington Residential School or the
Department of Education. However, after providing my testimony to an
independent investigator hired by the Department, I was informed that my
evidence had been accepted. Following this, I was granted both
compensation and a government apology.
Concerns About the Process
The decision to award compensation and issue an apology suggests that some
form of conclusive evidence must have been presented or considered. It is
not credible to suggest that such significant redress would be granted
solely based on my testimony. Typically, such actions imply that there
were supporting materials—such as observations, notes, or records from
Auckland Education Field Officers, or other documentation indicating
suspicions or evidence of improprieties against pupils.
Request for Clarity
Therefore, I respectfully ask for a clear explanation regarding the basis
on which the compensation and apology were granted. Specifically, I seek
answers to the following:
What records, reports, or observations were relied upon in awarding
compensation and apology?
If, as previously stated, no records exist, how was harm acknowledged and
redress determined?
I request a clear and direct response by . Silence, dismissal, or denial
will not be considered an adequate response.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability This matter extends beyond
my personal case. Survivors across New Zealand deserve transparency and
accountability from the government. The response to this request must
honour all testimony and ensure that no survivor is treated as if their
experiences or truths can be erased.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Stewart
Your request will be answered within the provisions of the Official
Information Act.
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
MP for East Coast Bays
Minister of Education
Minister of Immigration
Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal
Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care
of Faith-based Institutions
Website: [2]www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is
confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or
transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author
by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the
intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is
prohibited and may be unlawful.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ross Stewart <[3][FOI #32955 email]>
Sent: Friday, 21 November 2025 7:46 pm
To: Erica Stanford (MIN) <[4][email address]>
Subject: ESOIA796 | Official Information request - Request for
Clarification on Records and Compensation
Dear Erica Stanford,
Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation
To: Government Official, Department of Education, New Zealand
Subject: Request for Clarification on Records and Compensation Dear Rt.
Hon Mrs Stanford, Background and Context I am writing to request
clarification regarding a significant contradiction in my case involving
Mt Wellington Residential School and the Department of Education.
Previously, when I sought information, I was told that no reports or
records exist from either Mt Wellington Residential School or the
Department of Education. However, after providing my testimony to an
independent investigator hired by the Department, I was informed that my
evidence had been accepted. Following this, I was granted both
compensation and a government apology.
Concerns About the Process
The decision to award compensation and issue an apology suggests that some
form of conclusive evidence must have been presented or considered. It is
not credible to suggest that such significant redress would be granted
solely based on my testimony. Typically, such actions imply that there
were supporting materials—such as observations, notes, or records from
Auckland Education Field Officers, or other documentation indicating
suspicions or evidence of improprieties against pupils.
Request for Clarity
Therefore, I respectfully ask for a clear explanation regarding the basis
on which the compensation and apology were granted. Specifically, I seek
answers to the following:
What records, reports, or observations were relied upon in awarding
compensation and apology?
If, as previously stated, no records exist, how was harm acknowledged and
redress determined?
I request a clear and direct response by . Silence, dismissal, or denial
will not be considered an adequate response.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability This matter extends beyond
my personal case. Survivors across New Zealand deserve transparency and
accountability from the government. The response to this request must
honour all testimony and ensure that no survivor is treated as if their
experiences or truths can be erased.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Stewart
Yours faithfully,
Ross Stewart
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[5][FOI #32955 email]
Is [6][Erica Stanford request email] the wrong address for Official
Information requests to Erica Stanford? If so, please contact us using
this form:
[7]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fyi....
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[8]https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fyi....
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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Visible links
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2. http://www.beehive,govt.nz/
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4. mailto:[email address]
5. mailto:[FOI #32955 email]
6. mailto:[Erica Stanford request email]
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