Withholding Information

Introduction

If the intention is to withhold all or some information, the matter must first be referred to Head Office for confirmation.

If information is to be withheld, the requester must be notified of the decision in writing, within 20 days of the request. The notification should include:

• the reason for withholding the information and the section(s) of the OIA which apply, and
• the paragraph (below) of the right to seek a review from the Ombudsman.

Right of review

With any request that is not fully met, the requester has the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman.

When informing the requester of any decision they must be advised of this right by including in the response a paragraph such as:

"You have the right under S28 (3) of the Official Information Act, 1982, to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.

The Ombudsman can be contacted by writing to the Office of the Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington."