Funding decisions for "Being Chole"
Luke made this Official Information request to NZ On Air
The request was refused by NZ On Air.
From: Luke
Dear NZ On Air,
The following requests are made under the Official Information Act 1982 and relate to the recently announced documentary "Being Chole", starring Chole Swarbrick MP.
1. Who made the decision to grant $200,000 in funding for a proposed documentary about a sitting Member of Parliament?
2. Is this a tacit endorsement by NZ On Air of a political candidate?
3. If not, how does NZ On Air aim to stay politically neutral in light of funding this documentary?
4. Please explain the reasoning used by NZ On Air in deciding to fund this documentary.
5. Please release the guidelines that NZ On Air has regarding their obligations to stay politically neutral.
6. Please state whether NZ On Air has met their neutrality obligations by funding this documentary.
7. How many days (or hours) did it take for NZ On Air staff to consider the documentary proposal before granting funding?
8. What processes did NZ On Air go through when considering this particular proposal?
9. Please provide all correspondence between NZ On Air and Chloe Swarbrick MP regarding this documentary.
10. Please provide all correspondence between NZ On Air and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet regarding this documentary.
11. Please provide all correspondence between NZ On Air and the Film Commission regarding this documentary.
12. Please provide all correspondence between NZ On Air and any other government Ministry regarding this documentary.
13. Please release all correspondence between senior NZ On Air staff regarding the choice to fund this documentary. If there are any relevant board minutes, then release those too.
Yours faithfully,
Luke
From: NZOA Info
NZ On Air
Tēnā koe
Thank you for your email. Your OIA request has been noted and will be responded to within the statutory timeframe.
Nāku noa, nā
NZ On Air Admin
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From: Luke
Dear NZOA Info,
This is a reminder a response to my information request is due today.
Please provide an update regarding the status of this request, and when a reply will be received.
Yours sincerely,
Luke
From: NZOA Info
NZ On Air
Tēnā koe
An update on your OIA request below.
On Friday 20 May NZ On Air responded to your initial query with an email outlining the released statement regarding the funding here and a release of documents under the Official Information Act here. We have not had response from you regarding if these documents have satisfied your initial OIA request.
NZ On Air is currently experiencing an increase in the volume and complexity of OIA requests. Due to staff capacity some of the current requests may not be able to be met in the statutory timeframe.
As such, we are currently extending the response time for your OIA by another 10 working days. This is to ensure that we are gathering the correct and relevant information for your request.
Rest assured your OIA has been noted and we will endeavour to answer as soon as possible.
Nāku noa, nā
NZ On Air Admin
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From: Luke
Dear NZOA Info,
Thank you for your prompt response. Unfortunately, (and perhaps due to an error), I have received no correspondence from NZ On Air since 17 May.
I therefore have not received the documents you mention. Could you please re-send the 20 May correspondence?
Yours sincerely,
Luke
From: NZOA Info
NZ On Air
Kia ora Luke
Our apologies. It looks as if we accidentally sent the email below to our own address, instead of a reply via the FYI website. We apologise for this error.
Please see below for the information communicated out on 20 May 2022.
Noho ora mai rā
Admin on behalf of NZ On Air
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From: Luke
Dear NZOA Info,
The 10-day extension to this request lapsed several days ago. Please provide an update regarding the status of this request.
Yours sincerely,
Luke
From: NZOA Info
NZ On Air
Tēnā koe Luke,
Please see attached for correspondence relating to your OIA .
Nāku noa, nā
NZ On Air Admin
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