Tēnā koe,

Thank you for contacting the office of Hon Peeni Henare - MP for Tāmaki
Makaurau, Minister of Defence, Minister for Whānau Ora, Associate Minister
of Health, Associate Minister of Housing, Associate Minister of Tourism,
and Acting Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.

While the Minister considers all correspondence to be important and all
messages are carefully read and considered, it is not possible to provide
a personal response to every email received.

Where the Minister has portfolio responsibility for the issues that you
have raised, your correspondence will be considered and responded to where
appropriate.  If your email falls outside of these responsibilities, it
may be transferred to another office for consideration.

Thank you for taking the time to write.   

(Please note that this acknowledgement is an automatically generated
email.)

Nāku noa, nā

Office of Hon Peeni Henare

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Tēnā koe Cam,

I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your Official Information Act request dated 8 July 2021. You have requested the following information:

“Since 19 October 2020, under the Official Information Act 1982, I wish to request the following from the Minister of Health, Associate Ministers of Health and the Ministry of Health, in connection to the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan:

A) Copies of all letters, emails, analysis, studies and reports connected to proposals to incorporate genetically engineered tobacco referred to on page 8 of the Impact Summary Proposals for a Smokefree Aotearoa. For the absence of doubt this should include tobacco created using techniques broadly described as being GE or genetically modified.

B) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports with and between:
- 22 Century Corporation (referred to in the Regulatory Impact Statement on page 8 in connection to the “Moonlight” brand) to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Philip Morris International (referred to in the Regulatory Impact Statement on page 8 in connection to the “Next” brand”) to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- British American Tobacco to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Imperial Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Japan Tobacco International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company; and
- Liggett Vector Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company.

C) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports with and between BioTech NZ to include officers, agents or representatives of this organisation.

D) Copies of all meeting/file notes and phone calls/video conferences and zoom/teams calls, as well as the dates of such meetings, with and between:
- 22 Century Corporation to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Philip Morris International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- British American Tobacco to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Imperial Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Japan Tobacco International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Liggett Vector Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company; and
- BioTech NZ to include officers, agents or representatives of this organisation.

E) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis and applications related to the planting, harvesting, processing and manufacturing of growing genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco.

F) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports and analysis on how genetic engineering complies with the Crown’s obligation under Te Tiriri o Waitangi.

G) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis on the human health implications of genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, including, but not limited to, toxicity; allergic reactions; antibiotic resistance; immuno-suppression and cancer.

H) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis or applications connected to genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, with and between:
- Environmental Protection Agency;
- Ministry for the Environment;
- Ministry for Primary Industries;
- MBIE;
- Te Puni Kōkiri;
- New Zealand Food Safety; and
- Medsafe.

I) Copies of all legal opinions/reports/analysis on growing genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco under the current Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.

j) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports connected to genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, with and between:
- Minister for Primary Industries;
- Minister for Food Safety;
- Minister for Research, Science and Innovation;
- Minister for Māori Economic Development; and
- Minister of Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti."

We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in any event no later than 5 August 2021, being 20 working days after the day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.

Ngā mihi,

Office of Hon Peeni Henare
Minister of Defence | Minister for Whānau Ora | Associate Minister of Health (Māori)|
Associate Minister of Tourism | Associate Minister of Housing (Māori) | Acting Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage | MP for Tamaki Makaurau
Reception: 04 817 8721 | www.labour.org.nz

Email disclaimer:
Please note information about meetings related to the Minister’s portfolios will be proactively released (this does not include personal or constituency matters). For each meeting in scope, the summary would list: date, time (start and finish), brief description, location, who the meeting was with, and the portfolio. If you attend a meeting with the Minister on behalf of an organisation, the name of the organisation will be released. If you are a senior staff member at an organisation, or meet with the Minister in your personal capacity, your name may also be released. The location of the meeting will be released, unless it is a private residence. The proactive release will be consistent with the provisions in the Official Information Act, including privacy considerations. Under the Privacy Act 1993 you have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, or are concerned about the release of your information in the meeting disclosure, please contact the sender. You can read more about the proactive release policy at https://www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive-Releas...

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Kia ora Cam,

Thank you for your OIA request of 8 July 2021 requesting under the Official Information Act 1982, the following:

Since 19 October 2020, under the Official Information Act 1982, I wish to request the following from the Minister of Health, Associate Ministers of Health and the Ministry of Health, in connection to the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan:

A) Copies of all letters, emails, analysis, studies and reports connected to proposals to incorporate genetically engineered tobacco referred to on page 8 of the Impact Summary Proposals for a Smokefree Aotearoa. For the absence of doubt this should include tobacco created using techniques broadly described as being GE or genetically modified.

B) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports with and between:
- 22 Century Corporation (referred to in the Regulatory Impact Statement on page 8 in connection to the “Moonlight” brand) to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Philip Morris International (referred to in the Regulatory Impact Statement on page 8 in connection to the “Next” brand”) to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- British American Tobacco to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Imperial Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Japan Tobacco International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company; and
- Liggett Vector Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company.

C) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports with and between BioTech NZ to include officers, agents or representatives of this organisation.

D) Copies of all meeting/file notes and phone calls/video conferences and zoom/teams calls, as well as the dates of such meetings, with and between:
- 22 Century Corporation to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Philip Morris International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- British American Tobacco to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Imperial Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Japan Tobacco International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Liggett Vector Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company; and
- BioTech NZ to include officers, agents or representatives of this organisation.

E) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis and applications related to the planting, harvesting, processing and manufacturing of growing genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco.

F) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports and analysis on how genetic engineering complies with the Crown’s obligation under Te Tiriri o Waitangi.

G) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis on the human health implications of genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, including, but not limited to, toxicity; allergic reactions; antibiotic resistance; immuno-suppression and cancer.

H) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis or applications connected to genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, with and between:
- Environmental Protection Agency;
- Ministry for the Environment;
- Ministry for Primary Industries;
- MBIE;
- Te Puni Kōkiri;
- New Zealand Food Safety; and
- Medsafe.

I) Copies of all legal opinions/reports/analysis on growing genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco under the current Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.

j) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports connected to genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, with and between:
- Minister for Primary Industries;
- Minister for Food Safety;
- Minister for Research, Science and Innovation;
- Minister for Māori Economic Development; and
- Minister of Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti.

As this information is more closely related to the portfolio responsibilities of Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall, we have transferred it to their office for response.

Ngā mihi,

Office of Hon Peeni Henare
Minister of Defence | Minister for Whānau Ora | Associate Minister of Health (Māori)|
Associate Minister of Tourism | Associate Minister of Housing (Māori) | Acting Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage | MP for Tamaki Makaurau
Reception: 04 817 8721 | www.labour.org.nz

Email disclaimer:
Please note information about meetings related to the Minister’s portfolios will be proactively released (this does not include personal or constituency matters). For each meeting in scope, the summary would list: date, time (start and finish), brief description, location, who the meeting was with, and the portfolio. If you attend a meeting with the Minister on behalf of an organisation, the name of the organisation will be released. If you are a senior staff member at an organisation, or meet with the Minister in your personal capacity, your name may also be released. The location of the meeting will be released, unless it is a private residence. The proactive release will be consistent with the provisions in the Official Information Act, including privacy considerations. Under the Privacy Act 1993 you have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, or are concerned about the release of your information in the meeting disclosure, please contact the sender. You can read more about the proactive release policy at https://www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive-Releas...

show quoted sections

Kia ora Cam,

On behalf of Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall, Minister of Health, thank you for your Official Information request of 8 July 2021:

"Since 19 October 2020, under the Official Information Act 1982, I wish to request the following from the Minister of Health, Associate Ministers of Health and the Ministry of Health, in connection to the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan:

A) Copies of all letters, emails, analysis, studies and reports connected to proposals to incorporate genetically engineered tobacco referred to on page 8 of the Impact Summary Proposals for a Smokefree Aotearoa. For the absence of doubt this should include tobacco created using techniques broadly described as being GE or genetically modified.

B) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports with and between:
- 22 Century Corporation (referred to in the Regulatory Impact Statement on page 8 in connection to the “Moonlight” brand) to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Philip Morris International (referred to in the Regulatory Impact Statement on page 8 in connection to the “Next” brand”) to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- British American Tobacco to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Imperial Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Japan Tobacco International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company; and
- Liggett Vector Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company.

C) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports with and between BioTech NZ to include officers, agents or representatives of this organisation.

D) Copies of all meeting/file notes and phone calls/video conferences and zoom/teams calls, as well as the dates of such meetings, with and between:
- 22 Century Corporation to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Philip Morris International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- British American Tobacco to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Imperial Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Japan Tobacco International to include officers, agents or representatives of this company;
- Liggett Vector Brands to include officers, agents or representatives of this company; and
- BioTech NZ to include officers, agents or representatives of this organisation.

E) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis and applications related to the planting, harvesting, processing and manufacturing of growing genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco.

F) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports and analysis on how genetic engineering complies with the Crown’s obligation under Te Tiriri o Waitangi.

G) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis on the human health implications of genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, including, but not limited to, toxicity; allergic reactions; antibiotic resistance; immuno-suppression and cancer.

H) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies, reports, analysis or applications connected to genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, with and between:
- Environmental Protection Agency;
- Ministry for the Environment;
- Ministry for Primary Industries;
- MBIE;
- Te Puni Kōkiri;
- New Zealand Food Safety; and
- Medsafe.

I) Copies of all legal opinions/reports/analysis on growing genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco under the current Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.

j) Copies of all letters, emails, briefings, correspondence, studies and reports connected to genetically engineered low nicotine tobacco, with and between:
- Minister for Primary Industries;
- Minister for Food Safety;
- Minister for Research, Science and Innovation;
- Minister for Māori Economic Development; and
- Minister of Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti.".

The information requested appears to be more closely associated with the functions and responsibilities of the Ministry of Health. I have been advised that you have made the same request to the Ministry of Health, as such, a transfer of your request under section 14 of the Act will not be necessary. You can expect a response from the Ministry of Health in due course.

You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the Ombudsman to review this decision to transfer your request for information.

Ngā mihi,

Rebecca Anderson

Private Secretary (Executive Support) | Office of Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall

Minister for Seniors | Minister for Food Safety | Associate Minister of Health |
Associate Minister for Research, Science and Innovation

Phone: 04 817 8733
Email: [email address] Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

Authorised by Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
Please note information about meetings related to the Ministers’ portfolios will be proactively released (this does not include personal or constituency matters). For each meeting in scope, the summary would list: date, time (start and finish), brief description, location, who the meeting was with, and the portfolio. If you attend a meeting with the Minister on behalf of an organisation, the name of the organisation will be released. If you are a senior staff member at an organisation, or meet with the Minister in your personal capacity, your name may also be released. The location of the meeting will be released, unless it is a private residence. The proactive release will be consistent with the provisions in the Official Information Act, including privacy considerations. Under the Privacy Act 1993 you have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, or are concerned about the release of your information in the meeting disclosure, please contact the sender. You can read more about the proactive release policy at https://www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive-Releas...

show quoted sections