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In what circumstances would it be appropriate to charge for replying to Official Information Act requests made to their office, or agencies for which the Minister is responsible?

Answered Question 3717 (2026)
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Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • In what circumstances would it be appropriate to charge for replying to Official Information Act requests made to their office, or agencies for which the Minister is responsible?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister for Māori Development

Answer

Consistent with Ombudsman guidance it may be reasonable to recover some of the costs associated with requests for information that would require considerable labour and materials to respond. The government has issued Charging Guidelines to be followed by agencies subject to the Official Information Act 1982.