133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
9 April 2026
John Armstrong
By email: [FYI request #34029 email]
Ref:
H2026079945
Tēnā koe John
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Ministry of
Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) on 10 March for information regarding Briefings to
Incoming Ministers (BIMs) prepared by the Ministry relating to Covid-19 vaccinations, mandates
and management of the Covid-19 response. You requested:
“Briefings to Incoming Ministers (BIM) prepared by the Ministry of Health following general
elections or ministerial changes that discuss:
• COVID-19 vaccination policies
• vaccine mandates
• vaccination of individuals aged 12–17
• management of the COVID-19 response.
Please include both full BIM documents and any COVID-19 specific annexes.”
The Ministry publishes BIMs on its website at
: www.health.govt.nz/about-us/corporate-
publications/briefings-to-the-incoming-minister In addition to the BIMs published on the above
website, a further BIM was prepared in June 2022 for the incoming Minister for the COVID-19
Response, the Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall. This document is to be published on the above Ministry
website by 30 April 2026. As the requested document wil soon be made publicly available,
section 18(d) applies to your request. Please note that some information may be withheld under
section 9 of the Act.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this decision, please feel
free to contact the OIA Services Team on
: [email address].
Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any
decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Ministry website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-official-
information-act-requests
Nāku noa, nā
Barbara Burt
Acting Group Manager
Public Health Strategy and Policy
Public Health Agency and Mental Health Group
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