12 December 2025
Elspeth Baker-Vevers
[FYI request #33055 email]
Ref: OIA-2025/26-0373
Tēnā koe Elspeth,
Official Information Act request relating to ADHD cross-agency governance or
strategy
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act (the Act), received on 29
November 2025. You requested:
“This request is confined to information held by DPMC; please do not transfer for
commentary.
Timeframe: This request covers the period 1 January 2015 to the date this request is
received.
Format: Where datasets, tables, or modelling outputs are provided, I request they be
supplied in machine readable format (CSV or original spreadsheet file) along with any
data dictionaries or field definitions. A machine-readable format is requested to
minimise collation and preserve original structure.
Scope clarification to reduce unnecessary work: To streamline this request, I am not
seeking internal email chains, drafts, or personal information about individuals unless
they are the only holders of the substantive information described. If any part of this
request is likely to be refused under section 18(f) due to substantial collation, please
identify that specific part early so I can refine it.
Please provide:
1. Any documentation, advice, or briefings since 2015 regarding cross-agency
coordination, governance, or strategy for ADHD.
2. Please provide any Cabinet papers, Cabinet Office Circulars, regulatory impact
statements, or ministerial briefings in which ADHD is identified as a risk, inequity, or
priority since 2015.
3. Any references to ADHD in Cabinet papers or inter-departmental committees
relating to mental health, neurodiversity, or disability policy.
4. Any acknowledgement of systemic gaps or equity issues for ADHD within inter-
agency work.
5. If no such information is held, please confirm and state whether ADHD has ever
been considered under other national strategies (e.g., Autism Guideline or Mental
Health and Addiction Strategy).
6. Please provide any documents, advice, or correspondence since 2015 in which your
agency discussed or commented on the potential benefit or need for a coordinated,
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
5131091
64 4 817 9700 Facsimile 64 4 472 3181 www.dpmc.govt.nz
cross-sector national ADHD strategy. (This refers to a coordinated, cross-sector ADHD
strategy across government systems, distinct from the Ministry of Health’s clinical
framework.)
7. Please provide any cross-agency evaluation, performance, or accountability
frameworks that include ADHD outcomes or measures. If none exist, please confirm
this.
8. Please confirm whether any ministry has been assigned formal oversight
responsibility for ADHD policy, coordination, or strategy across government. If no such
assignment exists, please confirm this.”
I believe that the subject matter of your request is more closely connected to the functions of
the Ministry of Health. Accordingly, I have decided to partially transfer your request to the
Ministry of Health under section 14(b)(ii) of the Act.
In particular, please note that DPMC holds all Cabinet and Cabinet Committee papers and
Minutes as Cabinet Office is a business unit within DPMC. However, DPMC transfers
requests for Cabinet papers to the relevant portfolio Minister or for previous governments to
the relevant government agency as they are in the best position to assess them for release
under the Act. They are transferred under section 14(b)(ii) of the Act on the basis that the
information being more closely connected to the Minister’s or agency’s functions. This is also
set out in para 8.5 of the Cabinet Manual, which can be found on DPMC's website at:
www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-units/cabinet-office/supporting-work-cabinet/cabinet-
manual. I do note, however, that you have asked specifically for what DPMC holds on this topic. As
such, we will respond to your request regarding any information we hold that is in scope of
your request.
The Ministry of Health has the usual timeframes under the Act from receipt of this transfer to
make a decision on your request.
Nāku noa, nā
Jenna Hansen
Manager, Accountability and Ministerial Services
5131091
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