Forestry Industry – External Influence Over Public Communications and Decision‑Making
Nigel Gray made this Official Information request to Gisborne District Council
Currently waiting for a response from Gisborne District Council, they must respond promptly and normally no later than (details and exceptions).
From: Nigel Gray
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
From: Official Information
Gisborne District Council
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
show quoted sections
Things to do with this request
- Add an annotation (to help the requester or others)
- Download a zip file of all correspondence (note: this contains the same information already available above).

