DEPARTMENT OF THE
PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
TE TARI O TE PIRIMIA ME TE KOMITI MATUA
2 May 2018
Reference: OIA-2017 /18-0452
Suzanne Newton
fyi-request-7 496-567 c0931 @requests. fyi. org. nz
Dear Suzanne Newton
Official Information Act request relating to Obama visit: cost and justification
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received by our office on
3 April 2018. You requested:
"I would like to know the full amount of the cost to the New Zealand tax payer for the.
visit of Ex-President Barack Obama to New Zealand in March 2018.
Included in this, but not exclusive to, I would like to know the full cost of any travel,
vehicles, security measures, accommodation, meals, Special Services, time involved in
preparation and closing of the visit, NZ Police special services, signage, road closures,
special clothing and other such items, wages for extra personnel, payment to staff
and/or others involved, price of any gifts, rewards, or any items given to Barack
Obama, and/or any person engaged or connect to the visit e.g. John Key, who may
have been paid, received gifts, wages, items or such to be part of this event.
In short I wish to know exactly what the cost to New Zealand has been to host an ex
President.
I would also like to know what justification, i. e.
financial benefit to New Zealand, this
visit is meant to produce. I would like that in a
dollar amount, as I am sure New
Zealand is not in the habit of giving expensive holidays to the now unemployed without
some benefit for ALL New Zealanders."
note that your request was received by our agency as a transfer from the Minister of
Finance, and that your request was also transferred to the Minister Responsible for
Ministerial Services, Hon Chris Hipkins.
Insofar as your request relates to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC),
costs were incurred in the part of Barack Obama's visit that connected with Government
House. DPMC paid for the flowers, marquee, and plant hire involved with Government House
on that occasion, costing $5,676.90.
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
� 64 4 817 9700 Facsimile 64 4 472 3181 www.dpmc.govt.nz
This response will be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's
website during our regular publication cycle. Typically, information is released quarterly, or as
otherwise determined. Your personal information including name and contact details will be
removed for publication.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
Yours sincerely
I
aren Jones
Director, Office of the Chief Executive
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