Request for the 2017 Capital Connection Business Case

Tony Randle made this Official Information request to Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

The request was partially successful.

From: Tony Randle

Dear Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council,

On the 29th August 2017, the Horizons Regional Council announced: "Horizons Regional Council, in conjunction with a number of lower North Island councils, has submitted a business case to the Minister of Transport to seek support for the Capital Connection commuter train service."
(http://www.horizons.govt.nz/news/capital...).

1) Can the Horizons Regional Council provide a copy of the Capital Connections Business Case sent to the Minister of Transport ?

2) Can the Horizons Regional Council provide a copy of the benefit cost ratio calculations used to support the Capital Connections Business Case sent to the Minister of Transport ?

3) Can the Horizons Regional Council provide a copy of the detailed cost estimates used to support the benefit cost ratio(s) used to support the Capital Connections Business Case sent to the Minister of Transport ?

4) Can the Horizons Regional Council provide a copy of the detailed benefit estimates used to support the benefit cost ratio(s) used to support the Capital Connections Business Case sent to the Minister of Transport ?

5) Can the Horizons Regional Council provide a copy of the detailed patronage estimates used to support the benefit cost ratio(s) used to support the Capital Connections Business Case sent to the Minister of Transport ?

If this information in held in electronic form, I would prefer it was provided in its complete and original electronic format. For the sake of clarity, this would include any and all spreadsheets linked together. I would also prefer any communications to be via the FYI web site.

Finally, can you please acknowledge your receipt of this information request ?

Yours faithfully,

Tony Randle

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From: Corporate Support Portal
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

          
 
Thank you for contacting Help

Your request regarding "Official Information request - Request for the
2017 Capital Connection Business Case" (51723) has been received

You can add details to your request by replying to this message

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Horizons Regional Council | 24 hr freephone 0508 800 800
| [1]www.horizons.govt.nz

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From: Craig Grant
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council


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Attachment Horizons Regional Council Greater Wellington Regional Council Business Case for Palmerston North Wellington Passenger Rail.pdf
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Good afternoon Tony,

 

Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act for
information relating to the business case completed for passenger rail
services between Palmerston North and Wellington (known as the Capital
Connection).

 

The business case was completed in October 2017 and a copy of this (which
was sent to the current Minister of Transport, Phil Twyford) is attached
as requested.

 

The information requested in questions 2-5 of your request can be found
within various sections of the business case as follows:

·         Question 2: Benefit Cost ratio calculations and the associated
discussion can be found on pages 30-34 (sections 4.2-4.5)

·         Question 3: The cost estimates used to support the benefit cost
ratios are included in Section 4.7 and Appendix A of the business case

·         Question 4: The benefit estimates used to support the benefit
cost ratios are shown in Table 11 (page 32) of the business case

·         Question 5: patronage estimates are included in Section 2.2.1
(pages 8-9) of the business case

 

If you have any further questions in relation to this OIA please do not
hesitate to contact me direct.

 

Regards, Craig

 

 

CRAIG GRANT  I  Group Manager Corporate & Governance
Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail
Centre, Palmerston North 4442
DDI  06 9522 863 I M  021 2277 083 I E  [1][email address

 

[2]Description: MW LASS Logo Black

 

 

 

Horizons Regional Council | 24 hr freephone 0508 800 800
| [3]www.horizons.govt.nz

T [4]twitter.com/horizonsrc | FB [5]facebook.com/horizonsregionalcouncil

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From: Tony Randle

Dear Craig Grant,

Firstly, apologies for the delay in responding.

Thank you for providing a copy of the Business Case document.

However, this information request also asks for the information used to support the figures in this business case and this supporting information is yet to be provided. In particular the information request asks for the detailed calculations used to provide the patronage, costs and benefits outlined in this business case and leading to the overall Benefit Cost Ratio of 9.4 (Page 2).

Can the council please provide the supporting calculations used to provide the figures outlined in the following business case tables:

1) Figure 1: Average Daily Morning Peak Patronage (Page 8)
2) Figure 2: Average Daily Morning Peak Boardings by Station - May 2010 Compared to May 2016 (Page 9)
3) Table 7: Patronage Impact – 40 Year Evaluation Period (Page 23)
4) Table 8: Present Value Revenue and Cost – 40 Year Evaluation Period ($m) (Page 24)
5) Table 11: Per Passenger Benefit Values (Page 32)
6) Table 13: BCR Range Parameters (Page 33)
7) Table 14: Cost Benefit Appraisal Results (Page 33)
8) Table 16: Cashflow Components Over the 10-Year Planning Horizon (Page 37)
9) Table 17: Forecast Investor Cost Impact (Page 37)
10) Table 18: Example Operationalised Capital Cost Over 25 Years (10-Year Planning Horizon) (Page 38)
11) Appendix A Cashflow Components (Pages 42 - 43)

Please contact me via FYI if there is any issues with providing the rest of the requested information.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Randle

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From: Craig Grant
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council


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Hi Tony,

 

I refer to your Information Request dated 29 May 2018. I note that this
request follows a previous request for information on the same topic. This
latter request asks for information used to support the figures in the
business case that was previously issued to you. This business case was
not prepared by Horizons Regional Council. Instead the detailed analysis
and summary business case was prepared by an external consultant. The
answers to the questions you have asked (questions 1-11) are not held by
Horizons. Accordingly, Horizons is unable to respond to your request under
the provisions of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings
Act Part 2, S17(g).

 

Having said that, Horizons is prepared to approach the consultant to
respond to your questions on your behalf (assuming the consultant is able
and willing to release the information publically). All costs associated
with the provision of this information from the Consultant would need to
be funded wholly by you. I have no knowledge of what this cost could be,
but would be happy to get a cost estimate upon request.

 

I await your response.

 

 

CRAIG GRANT  I  Group Manager Corporate & Governance
Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail
Centre, Palmerston North 4442
DDI  06 9522 863 I M  021 2277 083 I E  [1][email address

 

[2]Description: MW LASS Logo Black

 

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From: Tony Randle

Dear Craig Grant,

Thank you for for the prompt reply.

I am still interested in finding out how much it would cost to obtain the supporting information for the Business Case. Can you please get a cost estimate for having the consultant provide the requested information ?

Yours sincerely,

Tony Randle

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From: Craig Grant
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

Good afternoon Tony,

Horizons has contacted the consultant involved and has been advised that it will take them 2 weeks to provide a cost estimate due to current work commitments.

I will be in contact once this has been received.

I once again highlight that there is a chance that the information requested is unable to be released.

Regards

CRAIG GRANT  I  Group Manager Corporate & Governance
Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442
DDI  06 9522 863 I M  021 2277 083 I E  [email address

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From: Craig Grant
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

Hi Tony,

As agreed, I have contacted the consultant regarding your request. He estimates that the request will take 5 hours to complete. His standard rate is $240/ hr plus GST so the total cost to you will be $1,200 plus GST.

Should you wish to proceed with this request, please let me know and I will forward the contact details of the consultant so that you can deal directly with them.

Regards,
Craig

CRAIG GRANT  I  Group Manager Corporate & Governance
Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442
DDI  06 9522 863 I M  021 2277 083 I E  [email address

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From: Tony Randle

Dear Craig Grant,

Thank you for confirming that the contractor engaged to provide the requested information holds the information that I requested and that the council entitled to have access this information.

Can I repeat my request to the council for a copy of the information requested on 20th April 2018 as the requested information is " ... information held by an independent contractor engaged by [the] local authority in his or her capacity as an independent contractor..." ?

For your assistance I refer you to Section 2 (6) of LGOIMA http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/publi...)

Yours sincerely,

Tony Randle

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From: Craig Grant
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council


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Tony,

 

I refer to your email dated 15 June. This email follows a number of other
emails between yourself and me regarding your original request for
information received 29 May.

 

As previously stated, Horizons Regional Council does not hold the
information requested. I had initially thought that the specific
information that I have not been able to provide was indeed held by the
consultant that prepared the subject business case. On subsequent
questioning of this consultant I am advised that the detail you require is
held and owned by a separate party being Kiwi Rail. I understand the
consultant has approached Kiwi Rail seeking permission to release the
information and they have declined this request on grounds of commercial
sensitivity. Horizons has had no direct involvement with Kiwi Rail on this
matter. The relationship with Kiwi Rail is between Kiwi Rail and the
consultant. I am therefore unable to support your request any further. My
apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

Regards, Craig

 

CRAIG GRANT  I  Group Manager Corporate & Governance
Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail
Centre, Palmerston North 4442
DDI  06 9522 863 I M  021 2277 083 I E  [1][email address

 

[2]Description: MW LASS Logo Black

 

 

Dear Craig Grant,

 

Thank you for confirming that the contractor engaged to provide the
requested information holds the information that I requested and that the
council entitled to have access this information.

 

Can I repeat my request to the council for a copy of the information
requested on 20th April 2018 as the requested information is " ...
information held by an independent contractor engaged by [the] local
authority in his or her capacity as an independent contractor..." ?

 

For your assistance I refer you to Section 2 (6) of LGOIMA
[3]http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/publi...)

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Tony Randle

 

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From: Tony Randle

Dear Craig Grant,

The Palmerston North-Wellington Rail Passenger Business Case considers six options:
3.1.1 Do-Minimum
3.1.2 Through Train Option
3.1.3 Through DEMU (single Trip) Option
3.1.4 Through DEMU (Double Trip) Option
3.1.5 Connecting DEMU Option
3.1.6 Connecting Coach Option

I requested the detailed cost estimates, the detailed benefit estimates, the detailed patronage estimates and the benefit cost ratio calculations used in this business case.

The latest response from the Horizon Regional Council states "On subsequent questioning of this consultant I am advised that the detail you require is held and owned by a separate party being Kiwi Rail. I understand the consultant has approached Kiwi Rail seeking permission to release the information and they have declined this request on grounds of commercial sensitivity."

Just to be clear, can the Horizon Regional Council confirm its position for each of the following elements for each business case option is that:

a) for the Do-Minimum Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed COST estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

b) for the Do-Minimum Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed BENEFIT estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

c) for the Do-Minimum Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed PATRONAGE estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

d) for the Through Train Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed COST estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

e) for the Through Train Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed BENEFIT estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

f) for the Through Train Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed PATRONAGE estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

g) for the Through DEMU (single Trip) Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed COST estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

h) for the Through DEMU (single Trip) Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed BENEFIT estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

i) for the Through DEMU (single Trip) Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed PATRONAGE estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

j) for the Through DEMU (Double Trip) Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed COST estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

k) for the Through DEMU (Double Trip) Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed BENEFIT estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

l) for the Through DEMU (Double Trip) Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed PATRONAGE estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

m) for the Connecting DEMU Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed COST estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

n) for the Connecting DEMU Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed BENEFIT estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

o) for the Connecting DEMU Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed PATRONAGE estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

p) for the Connecting Coach Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed COST estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

q) for the Connecting Coach Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed BENEFIT estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

r) for the Connecting Coach Option, the contracted Horizon consultant does hold the detailed PATRONAGE estimates used in the business case but that these estimates were provided by Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to release the information on grounds of commercial sensitivity ?

I just want to be clear that it is the Horizon Regional Council understanding that all the information used for every option considered in the business case is from Kiwi Rail who refuse permission to provide any of this information.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Randle

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From: Craig Grant
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

Tony,
I acknowledge receipt of your email below. I expect to be able to respond by the end of August or sooner it time allows.

Regards, Craig

CRAIG GRANT  I  Group Manager Corporate & Governance
Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442
DDI  06 9522 863 I M  021 2277 083 I E  [email address

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From: Craig Grant
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

Tony,
I refer to all your previous correspondence regarding your information request.

I respectfully ask you to read Horizons previous responses to you as its position has not changed. To be very clear, Horizons does not hold the data/information necessary to answer your questions. It is understood that the only company that can answer your questions is Kiwi Rail. Horizons does not have a commercial relationship with Kiwi Rail regarding this matter.

You are advised to contact Kiwi Rail directly with your questions.

Horizons now considers this matter closed.

Regards, Craig

CRAIG GRANT  I  Group Manager Corporate & Governance
Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442
DDI  06 9522 863 I M  021 2277 083 I E  [email address

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From: Tony Randle

Dear Craig Grant,

I take from the most recent response from the Horizon Regional Council confirmation that:
A) that the consultant engaged by Horizon to develop the Capital Connection Business Case does not hold the detailed cost estimates for any option considered in business case
B) that the consultant engaged by Horizon to develop the Capital Connection Business Case does not hold the detailed benefit estimates for any option considered in business case
C) that the detailed benefit estimates and the detailed cost estimates for every option considered in the Capital Connection Business Case to which this request relates is not held by the Horizon Regional Council but is believed by you who is dealing with the request to be held by another organisation being Kiwirail.

Finally, can I therefore ask why the Horizon Regional Council refuses to promptly, and in no case later than 10 working days after the day on which the request is received, transfer the request, or relevant part of the request, to Kiwirail, and inform the person making the request accordingly as required under Section 12 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 ?
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/publi...

It does appear that you (or whoever is advising you) are unclear on the law around the requirement to transfer requests in these circumstances. I would therefore draw your attention to the "The obligation to transfer" section (on page 18) of "The LGOIMA for local government agencies - A guide to processing requests and conducting meetings" from the Office of the Ombudsman:
http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/syste...

Yours sincerely,

Tony Randle

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From: OCU

Dear Tony Randle, this is to advise your OIA request to Horizon has been
transferred to KiwiRail and we will respond accordingly.

 

Kind regards

 

Helen

 

Helen Pickering  | Senior External Relations

 

Level 4, Wellington Railway Station, Bunny Street, Wellington 6011 | PO
Box 593, Wellington 6140, New Zealand [

Backbone of integrated transport networks Please consider the environment
before printing

 

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From: OCU


Attachment Capital Connection PL 2012 2022 Doug Weir 003.xlsx
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Attachment Randle response.docx
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Dear Tony Randle, please find attached the response for your OIA request
regarding the rail service to Palmerston North.

 

Kind Regards

 

Helen

 

Helen Pickering  | Senior Government Relations

Level 4, Wellington Railway Station, Bunny Street, Wellington 6011 | PO
Box 593, Wellington 6140, New Zealand [

Backbone of integrated transport networks Please consider the environment
before printing

 

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From: Craig Grant
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

Dear Mr Randle,

 

This is to advise that your OIA request to Horizons Regional Council was
transferred to KiwiRail on 13 August 2018. It is Horizons understanding
that you were advised of this transfer by Helen Pickering from KiwiRail on
15 August 2018.

 

Regards, Craig

 

CRAIG GRANT  I  Group Manager Corporate & Governance
Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail
Centre, Palmerston North 4442
DDI  06 9522 863 I M  021 2277 083 I E  [1][email address

 

 

 

Horizons Regional Council | 24 hr freephone 0508 800 800
| [2]www.horizons.govt.nz

T [3]twitter.com/horizonsrc | FB [4]facebook.com/horizonsregionalcouncil

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Tony Randle left an annotation ()

Note that the continual refusal by the Horizon Regional Council to provide the information used to support their business case for a multi-million dollar investment in the Capital Connection is now subject to a Ombudsman complaints investigation.

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Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council only: