Kia ora Nigel,

 

Please find attached Council’s correspondence regarding your official
information request dated 22 February 2026.

 

As outlined in the attached letter, Council has reviewed the request and
is seeking clarification of scope to enable it to be progressed.

 

If you wish to refine or discuss any aspect of the request, please feel
free to contact us at [1][email address]

 

Ngā mihi,

 

       
Frances Kennedy
Official Information and Privacy Officer
Te Kaunihera o Te Tairāwhiti - Gisborne District Council
E: [2][email address] | P:0800 653 800
A: 15 Fitzherbert Street, Gisborne | [3]Web | [4]Fb | [5]App

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Nigel Gray <[6][FOI #33800 email]>

Sent: Sunday, 22 February 2026 10:17 am

To: Services <[7][email address]>

Subject: Official Information request - Forestry Industry – External
Influence Over Public Communications and Decision‑Making

 

Dear Gisborne District Council,

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following
information for the period 1 January 2021 – present.

1. Briefings and Key Messages

Copies of any briefings, talking points, or key‑message documents prepared
for senior leadership or elected officials that relate to:

forestry slash events

erosion or sedimentation linked to forestry public communications about
forestry impacts 2. Communications Strategy and Perception Management
Copies of any communications plans or strategy documents that include
reference to:

“stakeholder messaging”

“public perception”

“communications risks”

“industry engagement”

…where these terms relate to forestry or forestry‑related environmental
impacts.

3. External Input Into Public Statements (Refined Clause) Copies of any
final versions of public statements (including press releases, website
updates, advisories, or social media posts) relating to forestry that were
reviewed, edited, or approved by any external party.

For each such document, please also provide:

a) the name of the external party involved b) the nature of their input
(e.g., review, edits, approval) c) the date on which their input occurred
This request does not seek drafts, internal discussions, or emails — only
the final published versions and the record of external input.

4. Meetings With Forestry‑Sector Representatives A list of all meetings
held since 1 January 2021 between your agency and:

forestry industry representatives

forestry lobby groups

PR or communications firms acting for forestry interests the Forest Owners
Association Te Uru Rākau / NZ Forest Service For each meeting, please
provide:

date

attendees

subject or purpose of the meeting

I am not requesting minutes or detailed notes — only the meeting list.

5. Conflict‑of‑Interest Declarations

Copies of any conflict‑of‑interest declarations made by staff involved in:

forestry‑related policy

forestry compliance or enforcement

environmental monitoring relating to forestry forestry‑related public
communications Format Please provide all information in digital form. If
any part of this request is refused, please provide the grounds for
refusal and release all remaining material.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Nigel Gray

 

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This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[8][FOI #33800 email]

 

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ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
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References

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