13 April 2026
Branch Performance
Partnerships and Commissions – Te Aukaha
PO Box 805, Wellington 6140
Ema
il: [email address]
Website: www
.dia.govt.nz
Robert Perham
fyi-request-34031-
[email address]
Kia ora Robert,
Request for information (OIA 2526-1017)
Thank you for your request for information made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the
Act) which was partially transferred to the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department)
on 24 March 2026. The following was transferred to the Department for response:
2. Any communications between the DPMC/PMO and Te Whatu Ora (Health New
Zealand), the Ministry of Health, or the New Zealand Police regarding how to respond
to, investigate, or manage the claims made by Barry Young in his October 30th email.
Background Information
The Department’s Ministerial Services business group is deemed to hold the records of former
Ministers of the Crown. However, we do not have the ability to perform searches on the
parliamentary server where the electronic records are held. To locate and retrieve former
Minister’s information we require Parliamentary Service to run the required searches on our
behalf.
When commissioning a search of such records on the parliamentary server, we provide
Parliamentary Service with specific keywords, dates or topics, in an effort to produce the most
accurate and manageable output. The search for electronic records captures information
saved by the Minister or staff in the office.
There are limitations with searches for former Ministers’ records as key word searches often
capture any reference of the word or term used. In addition, items identified can be duplicates
saved in multiple places or variations of an email chain.
Response to your request
The Department’s response is limited to the part of your request that relates to
communications between the office of the former Prime Minister, Rt Hon Chris Hipkins and
officials regarding Barry Young between 30 October 2023 and 26 November 2023. I
understand that the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet have responded to your
request for correspondence outside of this period.
We commissioned the following search:
• Time period
: 30 October 2023 until 26 November 2023
• Office: Rt Hon Chris Hipkins
• Keyword: ‘Barry Young’
I can confirm that there were no search results returned. As such, your request for information
is refused under section 18(e) of the Act, that the document alleged to contain the
information requested does not exist or, despite reasonable efforts to locate it, cannot be
found.
If you have any concerns with the information in this response, you have a right to request an
investigation and review by the Ombudsman under section 28(3) of the Act. Information on
how to do this is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Penny Langley
Director Branch Performance
Partnerships and Commissions - Te Aukaha
Department of Internal Affairs - Te Tari Taiwhenua
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