Dear Donna,

 

I refer to your official information request dated 17 March 2026 asking
for information relating to Code of Conduct complaints.

 

The information you have requested is as follows.

 

1. Complaint Handling Policies:

 

Please provide copies of all policies, procedures, or guidelines governing
the receipt, assessment, investigation, and resolution of Code of Conduct
complaints relating to:

 

-staff

 

-senior management

 

-council-controlled organisation officers

 

Council’s Code of Conduct Policy relating to staff is attached.

 

-governance officials.

 

Whanganui District Council’s Code of Conduct Policy for Elected Members is
publicly available on Council’s website at the following link [1]Policies
Whanganui District Council. Formally, we are refusing this part of your
request pursuant to Section 17(d) of LGOIMA as the information is already
publicly available.

 

2. Records Relating to the Complaints Submitted

 

Please provide copies of any records relating to the receipt, assessment,
consideration, or handling of the Code of Conduct complaints submitted on
or about 20 January 2026 to 12 March 2026.

 

This request includes (but is not limited to):

 

-internal memoranda

 

-file notes

 

-reports

 

-assessment documents

 

-correspondence between staff involved in handling the complaints.

 

Council have received one complaint relating to staff behaviour, although
there is no reference to the Code of Conduct. Information relating to the
complaint is withheld pursuant to Section 7 (2) (a) which provides that
withholding of information is necessary to protect the privacy of
individuals.

 

3. Internal Communications

 

Please provide copies of internal communications (including emails,
memoranda, and correspondence) relating to the complaints and their
handling.

 

This request includes communications between:

 

-staff and management

 

-governance or corporate services staff

 

-legal advisers

 

-officers responsible for complaint handling.

 

Information relating to the complaint is withheld pursuant to Section 7
(2) (a) which provides that withholding of information is necessary to
protect the privacy of individuals. We have given consideration to the
public interest when making this decision.

 

4. Communications Between Organisations

 

Please provide copies of communications between:

 

Manawatū-Whanganui Local Authority Shared Services ( MWLASS) and Whanganui
district council and/or any shareholder councils concerning the complaints
and their handling.

 

We are aware that a complaint was received by MWLASS, however Council hold
no communications with MWLASS regarding that complaint. MWLASS is a
separate entity to Council and should be approached directly regarding any
complaints.

 

5. Governance Reporting

 

Please provide copies of any reports, briefings, or correspondence
provided to councillors, council governance committees, or shareholder
representatives regarding the complaints. (LGOIMA requests will be sent to
the shareholder councils).

 

No such information exists. We are refusing this request pursuant to
Section 17(e) of LGOIMA.

 

6. Complaint Handling Outcomes

 

Please provide any records identifying the outcome of the complaints,
including any decisions made regarding investigation, dismissal, or
further action.

 

Information relating to the complaint is withheld pursuant to Section 7
(2) (a) which provides that withholding of information is necessary to
protect the privacy of individuals. We have given consideration to the
public interest when making this decision.

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[2]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact
me on 06 349 0001 or by return email.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

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