Matt Brown
[FYI request #16075 email]
22 July 2021
Dear Mat Brown,
RE: OIA 21-22-05 COVID-19 Support Instructions
Thank you for your email of 14 July 2021 requesting the following information:
1. A copy of the "Covid-19 Support Instructions" NZTE is using.
2. A count of how many visa applications NZTE has supported in each of the "border
exception criteria" resulting from those instructions.
We have transferred part of your request to Immigration New Zealand.
Regarding Question One, the COVID-19 Support Instructions you refer is a part of a quote
from Immigration New Zealand General Manager of Visa Operations, Nicola Hogg. This
information refers to COVID-19 Support Instructions Immigration New Zealand has received
and not NZTE. As such, this information is not held by us but is believed to be held by
Immigration New Zealand.
In these circumstances, we are required by Section 14 of the Official Information Act to
transfer part of your request. You wil hear further from a representative of Immigration New
Zealand concerning that part of your request.
Regarding Question Two, NZTE has writ en letters of support for 10 visa applicants in 2021.
NZTE would note that the Border Exemption Criteria you have quoted, again, is in reference
to Immigration New Zealand. NZTE does not liaise directly with Immigration New Zealand on
a specific application so as to maintain the independence and integrity of the visa and
immigration process.
For NZTE’s purposes we consider this request closed.
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
T +64 4 816 8100
F +64 4 816 8101
w: nzte.govt.nz
w newzealand.com/business
Level 15, The Majestic Centre, 100 Wil is Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand, PO Box 2878, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
