Performance & Optimisation
55 Featherstone Street
PO Box 2198
Wellington 6140
22 December 2015
Mr Sam Cannicott
[FYI request #3402 email] Dear Mr Cannicott
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA), received
on 24 November 2015. You asked:
On how many occasions has Inland Revenue requested the District Court to issue
an arrest warrant for a student loan borrower who is about to leave New Zealand
with the intent to avoid their student loan repayment obligations — under the
terms of the Student Loan Scheme Amendment Act (3)? What was the outcome of
each of these arrests?
This information is refused under section 18(c)(i) of the OIA, as making the information
available would be contrary to the secrecy provisions in section 81 of the Tax
Administration Act 1994 (TAA). In my view, none of the specific exceptions to secrecy
listed in the TAA apply to the information requested, nor does the carrying into effect
exception apply.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision on your
request. The office of the Ombudsman can be contacted at PO Box 10152, The Terrace,
Wellington 6143.
Alternatively, you may have the decision reviewed by a review officer. Choosing the
internal right of review does not preclude you from subsequently seeking a review by the
Ombudsman if you are dissatisfied with the department’s internal review. To ask for an
internal review, please write to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, PO Box 2198,
Wellington 6140.
Thank you for your request.
Yours sincerely
Maurice Lawlor
Business Owner