Valerie Morse
[FYI request #14431 email]
17 March 2020
Dear Valerie
RE: OIA BAE Systems/Hunter Class Frigate Programme
Thank you for your email of 10 January 2021 requesting the following information under the
Official Information Act (OIA):
• Any information held by NZTE - correspondence, briefings, notes, etc - relating to
BAE Systems or the Australian Hunter Class Frigate programme.
The time frame for the information is 1 January 2017 to 10 January 2020. On 9 February
NZTE extended your request.
Part of the information you have requested is enclosed. We have withheld information.
under the following sections of the Of icial Information Act:
• s.6(a): prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or the international relations
of the Government of New Zealand.
• s6(d): protect the safety of any person.
• s9(2)(a): protect the privacy of natural person.
• s.9(2)(b)(ii): unreasonably prejudice a commercial position.
• s9(2)(k): prevent the disclosure of of icial information for improper gain.
The Hunter Class Frigate Programme is an Australian Department of Defence contract that
is fulfil ed by BAE Systems. New Zealand companies, for the purposes of procurement for
Australian government contracts, are considered domestic. BAE gave two presentations in
New Zealand, one in Christchurch and another in Auckland. The material attached is the
correspondence principally focussed on the preparations for these events. Other material
relating to the Hunter Class Frigate Programme in this period has been released to you in
the other OIA request you currently have lodged with NZTE.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Melissa Trochon
Director – Board and Ministerial