Dear Morgan Varaine

 

Thank you for your request for information about the Ruataniwha Water
Storage Scheme.  Your request is being considered in accordance with the
Official Information Act, and you will receive a response at the earliest
available opportunity.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Madeline Smith

Senior Ministerial Advisor

Policy and International

DDI +64 4 474 5470 • Mob +64 21 113 5029

 

Environmental Protection Authority • Level 10 • 215 Lambton Quay • Private
Bag 63002 • Wellington 6140 • New Zealand • Tel +64 4 916 2426 • Fax +64 4
914 0433 •  [1]www.epa.govt.nz

 

References

Visible links
1. http://www.epa.govt.nz/

Dear Morgan Varaine

I write further to your request for information about the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme (RWSS).

The EPA considers your request to be broad in scope, and it could take a significant amount of time to collate all relevant information and respond. However, if you could clarify or narrow the scope of your request, we may be able to respond more promptly, with the specific information you are seeking. We note that s 12 of the OIA requires information requested to be specified with due particularity in the request.

In particular, we would like to clarify whether there is specific information you are looking for by referring to ‘about this scheme’? Are there any particular aspects of the RWSS you are seeking information on? To help you answer these questions, please find below a brief outline of the EPA’s role in relation to the RWSS and nationally significant proposals in general.

The EPA provides an administrative support role in processing proposals of national significance. The EPA has a number of key tasks including:
• ensuring the application meets the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) for lodgement
• advising the Minister on whether the EPA considers the proposal to be nationally significant
• notifying the proposal by placing public notices in local and national newspapers
• providing administration for the board of inquiry
• receiving and processing submissions
• providing information to everyone involved, including hearing procedures and important dates and deadlines
• attending the hearing and acting as liaison between the Board and the Applicant and submitters

The EPA does not engage in discussion regarding the merits of proposals or any technical matters relating to proposals. Nor does the EPA have any decision-making powers in relation to proposals. The decisions to accept the Tukituki Catchment Proposal as nationally significant and appoint an independent board of inquiry were made by the Minister for the Environment and Minister of Conservation. The final decision on the merits of the proposal will be made by the Board of Inquiry following the public hearing process. Additionally, there is also a significant amount of publicly available information on the technical matters of the RWSS. This information can be found on the EPA website under ‘Tukituki Catchment Proposal’ and includes Application documents, key issues reports, submissions, and evidence lodged by the Applicant.

If you are unable to refine the scope of your request, the EPA may have to consider imposing a charge for the staff time required to respond, as is permitted under s 15 of the OIA. The EPA may also have to consider extending the time limit for response under s15A of the OIA.

We are interested in discussing the scope of your request with you further. To do so, can you please call the EPA on 04 916 2426 and ask to speak to Shaun Lewis (Project Leader, Tukituki Catchment Proposal). Alternatively you can call the Tukituki Proposal team on 0800 577566, or email us at [email address].

Yours sincerely

Madeline Smith
Senior Ministerial Advisor
Policy and International
DDI +64 4 474 5470 • Mob +64 21 113 5029

Environmental Protection Authority • Level 10 • 215 Lambton Quay • Private Bag 63002 • Wellington 6140 • New Zealand • Tel +64 4 916 2426 • Fax +64 4 914 0433 •  www.epa.govt.nz

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Dear Morgan Varaine

Thank you for your further reply. I have passed it on to the appropriate staff to scope the request for you in more detail.

However we are still keen to talk through this with you - are you able to provide a contact phone number? - you can email me at [email address]. Alternatively as per our earlier email, are you able to phone 04 916 2426 and ask to speak to Shaun Lewis (Project Leader, Tukituki Catchment Proposal or call the Tukituki Proposal team on 0800 577566.

Regards

Madeline Smith
Senior Ministerial Advisor
Policy and International
DDI +64 4 474 5470 • Mob +64 21 113 5029

Environmental Protection Authority • Level 10 • 215 Lambton Quay • Private Bag 63002 • Wellington 6140 • New Zealand • Tel +64 4 916 2426 • Fax +64 4 914 0433 •  www.epa.govt.nz

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Dear Morgan Varaine

 

 

Extension of time limit for your request for information

 

I refer to your request for information regarding the Ruataniwha Water
Storage Scheme.

 

We are extending the time for our response under s 15A(1) of the OIA.
Unfortunately the large quantity of information you have requested and the
consultations necessary to make a decision on your request are such that
we are not able to provide you with a response within the normal 20
working day time limit.

 

I anticipate we will be able to respond to your request by Friday 25
October 2013 (next Friday).

 

You have a right, by way of complaint to an Ombudsman under section 28(3)
of the OIA, to seek an investigation and review of this decision.

 

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Madeline Smith

Senior Ministerial Advisor

Policy and International

DDI +64 4 474 5470 • Mob +64 21 113 5029

 

Environmental Protection Authority • Level 10 • 215 Lambton Quay • Private
Bag 63002 • Wellington 6140 • New Zealand • Tel +64 4 916 2426 • Fax +64 4
914 0433 •  [1]www.epa.govt.nz

 

References

Visible links
1. http://www.epa.govt.nz/

Dear Morgan Varaine

 

I refer to your Official Information Act request dated 19 September 2013. 
Attached please find a response from Rob Forlong, Chief Executive.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Madeline Smith

Senior Ministerial Advisor

Policy and International

DDI +64 4 474 5470 • Mob +64 21 113 5029

 

Environmental Protection Authority • Level 10 • 215 Lambton Quay • Private
Bag 63002 • Wellington 6140 • New Zealand • Tel +64 4 916 2426 • Fax +64 4
914 0433 •  [1]www.epa.govt.nz

 

References

Visible links
1. http://www.epa.govt.nz/