On behalf of Hon Iain Lees-Galloway, Minister of Immigration, Minister for
ACC and Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, thank you for your
email.  Please consider this email as an acknowledgement.

Thank you for taking the time to write and please be assured that your
comments will be read by the Minister.  Due to the high volume of
enquiries at this time, processing time may take longer than normal.

You may also find the following websites useful:

 

o [1]https://uniteforrecovery.govt.nz/
o [2]Immigration New Zealand website
o [3]Employment New Zealand website;
o [4]WorkSafe website;
o [5]ACC website

If your email falls outside of the Minister’s portfolio responsibilities,
expresses a personal view or is copied to multiple Members of Parliament,
then your opinion will be noted and your correspondence may be transferred
to another office, or there may be no further response to you.

 

Your patience is appreciated at this time.

 

Thank you for all you have done to help break the chain and stop the
spread of COVID-19. Everyone has played a part in keeping us safe. It has
been an amazing effort. Now our job is to ensure we don’t waste that hard
work. 

 

So stay safe as we get moving again in Level 1, don’t forget to keep
washing your hands, and ensure we can do contact tracing in case of
another outbreak.

 

For the latest health information and advice on COVID-19, please visit
the [6]Ministry of Health's website.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Office of Hon Iain Lees-Galloway

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

Minister of Immigration

Minister for ACC

Deputy Leader of the House | MP for Palmerston North

P: 64 (4) 817 8713 | E: [7][Iain Lees-Galloway request email]  

                        Authorised by Hon Iain Lees-Galloway, Wellington

show quoted sections

 

Good Afternoon

 

We acknowledge receipt of your official information request which we
received today, for the following;

 

                I have a few questions about the suspended EOI selection
for SMC.

 

1. When will the EOI selection open again?

 

2. As of 30 June 2020, INZ is allocating prioritised SMC and Residence
from Work applications received in February 2020. The queue for
prioritised applications is not long at all (only a months of application
as the EOI selection has stopped since mid-March) and it is not a problem
to arrange documents right now, will INZ consider resuming the EOI
selection for prioritised application?

 

3. With reference to the COVID-19: Key Updates on INZ's website under
Healthcare Sector, it is stated that "Visa applications will be
prioritised for key roles necessary for the health response in New
Zealand.", will there be any exception case for those applicants? Will
their applications be selected and prioritised?

 

We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
any event no later than 20 working days after the day your request was
received.

 

If we are unable to respond to your request within the appropriate
timeframe, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.  If your
OIA request requires full or part transfer, we will contact you within the
required timeframe.

 

Regards

 

[1]Crest Office Hon Iain Lees-Galloway

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

Minister of Immigration

Minister for ACC

Deputy Leader of the House | MP for Palmerston North

P: 64 (4) 817 8713 | E: [2][Iain Lees-Galloway request email]  

                        Authorised by Hon Iain Lees-Galloway, Wellington

 

 

 

show quoted sections

Good Afternoon

 

I refer to your official information request dated 30 June 2020 for the
following:

 

I have a few questions about the suspended EOI selection for SMC.

 

1. When will the EOI selection open again?

 

2. As of 30 June 2020, INZ is allocating prioritised SMC and Residence
from Work applications received in February 2020. The queue for
prioritised applications is not long at all (only a months of application
as the EOI selection has stopped since mid-March) and it is not a problem
to arrange documents right now, will INZ consider resuming the EOI
selection for prioritised application?

 

3. With reference to the COVID-19: Key Updates on INZ's website under
Healthcare Sector, it is stated that "Visa applications will be
prioritised for key roles necessary for the health response in New
Zealand.", will there be any exception case for those applicants? Will
their applications be selected and prioritised?

 

We are transferring your request to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) at the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, as the information to
which your request relates to is not held by us but is believed to be held
by them.

 

In these circumstances, we are required by section 14 of the Official
Information Act to transfer your request.

 

You will hear further from INZ concerning your request.

 

 

[1]Crest Office Hon Iain Lees-Galloway

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

Minister of Immigration

Minister for ACC

Deputy Leader of the House | MP for Palmerston North

P: 64 (4) 817 8713 | E: [2][Iain Lees-Galloway request email]  

                        Authorised by Hon Iain Lees-Galloway, Wellington

 

From: I Lees-Galloway (MIN)
Sent: Wednesday, 1 July 2020 5:19 PM
To: '[FOI #13194 email]'
<[FOI #13194 email]>
Subject: OIA Acknowledgement | Silvia | 30 June 2020

 

 

Good Afternoon

 

We acknowledge receipt of your official information request which we
received today, for the following;

 

                I have a few questions about the suspended EOI selection
for SMC.

 

1. When will the EOI selection open again?

 

2. As of 30 June 2020, INZ is allocating prioritised SMC and Residence
from Work applications received in February 2020. The queue for
prioritised applications is not long at all (only a months of application
as the EOI selection has stopped since mid-March) and it is not a problem
to arrange documents right now, will INZ consider resuming the EOI
selection for prioritised application?

 

3. With reference to the COVID-19: Key Updates on INZ's website under
Healthcare Sector, it is stated that "Visa applications will be
prioritised for key roles necessary for the health response in New
Zealand.", will there be any exception case for those applicants? Will
their applications be selected and prioritised?

 

We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
any event no later than 20 working days after the day your request was
received.

 

If we are unable to respond to your request within the appropriate
timeframe, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.  If your
OIA request requires full or part transfer, we will contact you within the
required timeframe.

 

Regards

 

[3]Crest Office Hon Iain Lees-Galloway

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

Minister of Immigration

Minister for ACC

Deputy Leader of the House | MP for Palmerston North

P: 64 (4) 817 8713 | E: [4][Iain Lees-Galloway request email]  

                        Authorised by Hon Iain Lees-Galloway, Wellington

 

 

 

show quoted sections

Ref: 2021-0028

 

Dear Silvia,

 

On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 30 June 2020 requesting under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:

 

I have a few questions about the suspended EOI selection for SMC.

 

1. When will the EOI selection open again?

 

2. As of 30 June 2020, INZ is allocating prioritised SMC and Residence
from Work applications received in February 2020. The queue for
prioritised applications is not long at all (only a months of application
as the EOI selection has stopped since mid-March) and it is not a problem
to arrange documents right now, will INZ consider resuming the EOI
selection for prioritised application?

 

3. With reference to the COVID-19: Key Updates on INZ's website under
Healthcare Sector, it is stated that "Visa applications will be
prioritised for key roles necessary for the health response in New
Zealand.", will there be any exception case for those applicants? Will
their applications be selected and prioritised?

 

Your request is being processed in accordance with the Act and a response
will be sent to you in due course.

 

Please note, due to ongoing COVID-19 response work, requests are currently
being triaged and those relating to Covid-19 processed as a priority.
Remaining requests are being assessed as per the Ombudsman’s guidance
(which can be found here:
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/news/chief-ombudsmans-statement-official-information-response-times-during-covid-19-emergency)
and processed accordingly.

 

If you have any enquiries regarding your request, or its urgency, feel
free to contact us via email at [2][email address].

 

Nâku noa, nâ

MINISTERIAL SERVICES

 

Corporate, Governance and Information

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Level 4, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140

NZBN 9429000106078

 

 

[3]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

show quoted sections

References

Visible links
1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/news/...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. http://www.govt.nz/

Hi Silvia,

 

We have received your request for official information on 03 July 2020 for
the following information:

 

“I have a few questions about the suspended EOI selection for SMC.

1. When will the EOI selection open again?

2. As of 30 June 2020, INZ is allocating prioritised SMC and Residence
from Work applications received in February 2020. The queue for
prioritised applications is not long at all (only a months of application
as the EOI selection has stopped since mid-March) and it is not a problem
to arrange documents right now, will INZ consider resuming the EOI
selection for prioritised application?

3. With reference to the COVID-19: Key Updates on INZ's website under
Healthcare Sector, it is stated that "Visa applications will be
prioritised for key roles necessary for the health response in New
Zealand.", will there be any exception case for those applicants? Will
their applications be selected and prioritised?”

 

Under the Official Information Act 1982  requests can only be made by;

Any person, being-

(a)          a New Zealand citizen; or

(b)          a permanent resident of New Zealand; or

(c)           a person who is in New Zealand; or

(d)          a body corporate which is incorporated in New Zealand; or

(e)          A body corporate which is incorporated outside of new Zealand
but which has a place of business in New Zealand,

may request a department or Minister of the Crown or organisation to make
available to him or it any specified official information.

 

From the information you have provided in your request it is unclear that
you are eligible to make an Official Information Act request.

 

Before we can proceed with your request you will need to provide evidence
that you are eligible to make a request.  Any supporting information can
be provided confidentially to me via email which is shown in the attached
file.

 

If you have not provided suitable evidence 10 July 2020 your request will
be withdrawn and closed on the basis that you are not eligible to make a
request.

 

If you have any questions please let me know.

 

 

Kind Regards,

Lautalie Leausa Vaa
SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR

Operations Support, Visa Services, Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

[1][email address] |
Level 1, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New Zealand

[2]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

show quoted sections

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.govt.nz/

Hi Silvia,

 

We have not yet received evidence that you are eligible to make a request
as noted in my previous email to you on 06/07/2020 and requested this by a
due date of 10/07/2020.

 

Please note if no response is received by close of business today (
13/07/2020) your OIA request will be closed and withdrawn.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Kind Regards,

Lautalie Leausa Vaa
SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR

Operations Support, Visa Services, Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

[1][email address] | Telephone: +64 (0)4  896 5342
Level 1, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New Zealand

From: Lautalie Leausa Vaa
Sent: Monday, 6 July 2020 4:48 PM
To: [FOI #13194 email]
Subject: DOIA 2021-0028 - Silvia - Eligibility Check
[IN-CONFIDENCE:RELEASE EXTERNAL]
Importance: High

 

Hi Silvia,

 

We have received your request for official information on 03 July 2020 for
the following information:

 

“I have a few questions about the suspended EOI selection for SMC.

1. When will the EOI selection open again?

2. As of 30 June 2020, INZ is allocating prioritised SMC and Residence
from Work applications received in February 2020. The queue for
prioritised applications is not long at all (only a months of application
as the EOI selection has stopped since mid-March) and it is not a problem
to arrange documents right now, will INZ consider resuming the EOI
selection for prioritised application?

3. With reference to the COVID-19: Key Updates on INZ's website under
Healthcare Sector, it is stated that "Visa applications will be
prioritised for key roles necessary for the health response in New
Zealand.", will there be any exception case for those applicants? Will
their applications be selected and prioritised?”

 

Under the Official Information Act 1982  requests can only be made by;

Any person, being-

(a)          a New Zealand citizen; or

(b)          a permanent resident of New Zealand; or

(c)           a person who is in New Zealand; or

(d)          a body corporate which is incorporated in New Zealand; or

(e)          A body corporate which is incorporated outside of new Zealand
but which has a place of business in New Zealand,

may request a department or Minister of the Crown or organisation to make
available to him or it any specified official information.

 

From the information you have provided in your request it is unclear that
you are eligible to make an Official Information Act request.

 

Before we can proceed with your request you will need to provide evidence
that you are eligible to make a request.  Any supporting information can
be provided confidentially to me via email which is shown in the attached
file.

 

If you have not provided suitable evidence 10 July 2020 your request will
be withdrawn and closed on the basis that you are not eligible to make a
request.

 

If you have any questions please let me know.

 

 

Kind Regards,

Lautalie Leausa Vaa
SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR

Operations Support, Visa Services, Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

[2][email address] |
Level 1, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New Zealand

[3]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

show quoted sections

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. http://www.govt.nz/

Hi Silvia,

 

Unfortunately we have not received any correspondence from you regarding
your eligibility to make an OIA request, we are therefore withdrawing your
request.

 

On 06 July we sent you an email stating that under the Official
Information Act 1982 requests can only be made by;

Any person, being-

(a)          a New Zealand citizen; or

(b)          a permanent resident of New Zealand; or

(c)           a person who is in New Zealand; or

(d)          a body corporate which is incorporated in New Zealand; or

(e)          A body corporate which is incorporated outside of new Zealand
but which has a place of business in New Zealand, may request a department
or Minister of the Crown or organisation to make available to him or it
any specified official information.

 

From the information you had provided in your request it was unclear that
you wereligible to make an Official Information Act request and requested
supporting evidence of your eligibility by 10 July.

 

We followed up with you via email on 13 July and advised that if the
requested information was not provided by 13 July your request will be
withdrawn and closed.

 

As at 14 July we have not received any responses from you and are unable
to continue processing your request under the OIA as we are unable to
determine you meet eligibility requirements.

 

Your OIA will now be withdrawn and closed off. To make a further request
you will need to submit a new request providing supporting evidence to
confirm you are eligible to make a request.

 

 

Kind Regards,

Lautalie Leausa Vaa
SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR

Operations Support, Visa Services, Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

[1][email address] | Telephone: +64 (0)4  896 5342
Level 1, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New Zealand

From: Lautalie Leausa Vaa
Sent: Monday, 13 July 2020 9:14 AM
To: [FOI #13194 email]
Subject: RE: DOIA 2021-0028 - Silvia - Eligibility Check
[IN-CONFIDENCE:RELEASE EXTERNAL]

 

Hi Silvia,

 

We have not yet received evidence that you are eligible to make a request
as noted in my previous email to you on 06/07/2020 and requested this by a
due date of 10/07/2020.

 

Please note if no response is received by close of business today (
13/07/2020) your OIA request will be closed and withdrawn.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Kind Regards,

Lautalie Leausa Vaa
SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR

Operations Support, Visa Services, Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

[2][email address] | Telephone: +64 (0)4  896 5342
Level 1, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New Zealand

From: Lautalie Leausa Vaa
Sent: Monday, 6 July 2020 4:48 PM
To: [3][FOI #13194 email]
Subject: DOIA 2021-0028 - Silvia - Eligibility Check
[IN-CONFIDENCE:RELEASE EXTERNAL]
Importance: High

 

Hi Silvia,

 

We have received your request for official information on 03 July 2020 for
the following information:

 

“I have a few questions about the suspended EOI selection for SMC.

1. When will the EOI selection open again?

2. As of 30 June 2020, INZ is allocating prioritised SMC and Residence
from Work applications received in February 2020. The queue for
prioritised applications is not long at all (only a months of application
as the EOI selection has stopped since mid-March) and it is not a problem
to arrange documents right now, will INZ consider resuming the EOI
selection for prioritised application?

3. With reference to the COVID-19: Key Updates on INZ's website under
Healthcare Sector, it is stated that "Visa applications will be
prioritised for key roles necessary for the health response in New
Zealand.", will there be any exception case for those applicants? Will
their applications be selected and prioritised?”

 

Under the Official Information Act 1982  requests can only be made by;

Any person, being-

(a)          a New Zealand citizen; or

(b)          a permanent resident of New Zealand; or

(c)           a person who is in New Zealand; or

(d)          a body corporate which is incorporated in New Zealand; or

(e)          A body corporate which is incorporated outside of new Zealand
but which has a place of business in New Zealand,

may request a department or Minister of the Crown or organisation to make
available to him or it any specified official information.

 

From the information you have provided in your request it is unclear that
you are eligible to make an Official Information Act request.

 

Before we can proceed with your request you will need to provide evidence
that you are eligible to make a request.  Any supporting information can
be provided confidentially to me via email which is shown in the attached
file.

 

If you have not provided suitable evidence 10 July 2020 your request will
be withdrawn and closed on the basis that you are not eligible to make a
request.

 

If you have any questions please let me know.

 

 

Kind Regards,

Lautalie Leausa Vaa
SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR

Operations Support, Visa Services, Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

[4][email address] |
Level 1, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New Zealand

[5]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

show quoted sections

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[FOI #13194 email]
4. mailto:[email address]
5. http://www.govt.nz/