15 April 2026
Miguel Angel
[FYI request #34245 email]
Our ref: OIA 2526-1026
Tēnā koe Miguel
Thank you for your email of 25 March 2026 to the Ministry for Ethnic Communities (the Ministry)
requesting information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). Specifically, you
requested:
I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982 relating to the
Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF) grant awarded to Asturlab Cultural Centre for
the “4 for 40 Stop the Silence Campaign”.
Specifically, I request the fol owing information not already provided in response to OIA 2526-
0072:
1. Final Results Report (Withheld Document)
- The date on which the final results report was received by the Ministry.
- All correspondence relating to any requests for clarification, further information,
or amendments to that report.
- Any internal assessments, reviews, or commentary on that report.
2. Application of Section 9(2)(ba)(i)
- Any internal communications relating to the decision to withhold the final results
report under section 9(2)(ba)(i).
- Any documents setting out the basis on which:
I. an obligation of confidence was considered to exist, and
I . release was considered likely to prejudice the future supply of similar
information.
3. Due Diligence – Specific Evidence
-Any documents that record or summarise the Ministry’s assessment of whether
the funded activities:
I. involved advocacy, or
I . were intended to influence public opinion.
4. Assessment Timeline and Prioritisation
-Any internal records or communications that explain:
I. the timeframe in which this application was assessed and approved, and
I . whether the application was treated as urgent or expedited, and if so,
why.
I I. how applications are prioritised, including any criteria for urgent or
expedited consideration.
5. Assistance to Applicant
- Any internal policies or guidance relating to the provision of advice or assistance
to ECDF applicants during the application process.
- Any records indicating whether the assistance provided in this case was
considered standard practice.
6. Handling of OIA 2526-0072
- Any internal communications created after receipt of OIA 2526-0072 that relate
to:
I. the decision to withhold information, or
I . the scope of information released.
If any part of this request is refused, please specify the grounds for refusal under the Act.
I am extending the timeframe to respond to your request under section 15(A)(1)(b) of the Act as
consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response to the
request cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit. You can expect a response by 4
May 2026. This is an extension of five working days.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of our response to your
request. Information about how to contact the Ombudsman’s office is available at:
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone: 0800 802 602.
Ngā mihi
Edward Firth
Director Ministerial Services
