3 July 2026
Ref: DOIA-REQ-0034396-Andrew Ecclestone
Andrew Ecclestone
Email: [FYI request #34880 email]
Tēnā koe Andrew Ecclestone
Thank you for your email of 9/06/2026 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following information:
In the past, the Ministry has published a selection of its responses to OIA requests on its website, both
on this page: [link removed]
And via a category of material in its published document library: [link removed]
However, it does not appear as though any new OIA responses have been published to MBIE's website
since 22 August 2025 (in relation to the first link above) and 8 September 2025 (in relation to the
document library).
I would like to understand why this is, particularly since it is something that Te Kawa Mataaho
publishes statistics on every six months.
Please provide me with:
1) A copy of any recorded information that documents a decision to stop, suspend, pause or reduce
publishing OIA responses on MBIE's website.
2) Notes of any meeting, either internally within MBIE or with people from other government
departments or the Ombudsman's office, since 1 July 2024 when the policy, procedure or practice
relating to publication of OIA responses on MBIE's website was discussed.
3) Any emails sent within MBIE since 1 July 2024 that relate to a change in the policy, procedure or
practice relating to publication of OIA responses on MBIE's website.
4) Any emails MBIE has sent to, and received from, Te Kawa Mataaho the Public Service Commission
since 1 July 2024 that relate to a change in the policy, procedure or practice relating to publication of
OIA responses on MBIE's website.
5) Any emails MBIE has sent to, and received from, the Office of the Ombudsman since 1 July 2024
that relate to a change in the policy, procedure or practice relating to publication of OIA responses on
MBIE's website.
6) The four internal MBIE policies listed in section 9 on page 8 of MBIE's 'Official Information Act
Request Policy' (published here: [link removed]
namely the Information and Records Management
Policy, the News Media Policy, the Privacy Policy, and the Publishing Official Information Policy.
Please find attached the following policies as requested:
• Information and Records Management Policy
• News Media Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Publishing Official Information Policy
In February 2025, MBIE created OIA publishing procedures to sit alongside the
Publishing Official
Information Policy. Please find the document
Publishing OIA Responses - Procedures attached.
MBIE has experienced an increase in both the volume and complexity of OIA requests received. We have
prioritised meeting our legislative obligations in responding to these requests, which has required
significant resourcing.
As a result, this has created capacity challenges in other areas, including the development of practices
and infrastructure to support the proactive publication of MBIE’s OIAs.
There have been no policy or procedural changes to, nor any decisions made to, stop, pause, or reduce
publication activity. The recent lack of publishing is simply an unintended consequence of these capacity
constraints.
In light of the above information, could you please confirm whether this satisfies your request.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further assistance,
please con
tact [email address].
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
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802
602.
Nāku noa, nā
Karin Schofield
General Manager Communications & Government Services
Strategy and Assurance
