23 February 2026
Ref: DOIA-REQ-0026483-Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones
Email:
[FYI request #33585 email]
Tēnā koe Spencer Jones
Thank you for your email of 23 January 2026 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the fol owing information:
I request anonymised aggregate information held by MBIE relating to smart meter (AMI)
deployment, technology oversight, and associated regulatory frameworks for the period 1 January
2018 to 30 September 2025.
This request fol ows an Official Information Act response from WorkSafe New Zealand (Ref
251316) confirming that no regulator-held database captures comprehensive information on
smart meter installations or technology changes. I therefore seek policy-level and regulatory
oversight information held by MBIE, including through its energy policy and Radio Spectrum
Management (RSM) functions.
Requested Information
1. Smart Meter Technology Oversight (Aggregate / Policy Level)
Please provide any aggregate or policy-level information held by MBIE relating to:
Smart meter communications technologies referenced in policy, consultation, or regulatory
material
Any MBIE consideration of technology transitions affecting smart meters (e.g. communications
infrastructure changes)
This may include summaries, briefing papers, or consultation outputs.
2. RF and Device Compliance Oversight
Please advise whether MBIE or RSM holds any aggregate information relating to:
Certification, compliance, or monitoring of smart meter RF emissions
Any aggregate complaints, inquiries, or reviews relating to RF exposure from smart meters
If no such aggregate information is held, please confirm this.
3. Inter-Agency Responsibilities
Please provide any high-level documentation describing the division of responsibility between
MBIE, the Electricity Authority, WorkSafe, and other agencies regarding:
Smart meter deployment
Technology oversight
Safety and compliance assurance
4. Record Retention
Please identify:
Any disposal authorities or retention schedules governing MBIE-held records relating to smart
meter policy, technology oversight, or RF compliance.
We have conducted a search and have not identified documents relevant to your request. As such I am
refusing your request under section 18(e) of the Act, as the document al eged to contain the information
requested does not exist or, despite reasonable efforts to locate it, cannot be found.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further assistance,
please contact
[email address].
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information
about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802
602.
Nāku noa, nā
Peter Bartlett
Director, Innovation and International
Energy Markets