v
27 October 2022
Ref: DOIA 2223-0750
Sarah Reid
[FYI request #20817 email]
Dear Sarah
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), which was transferred
under section 14 of the Act from the Office of the Minister of Immigration and the Office of the Minister
of Tourism to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on 12 October 2022,
requesting the following information:
Please provide the fol owing information as at Monday 10 October:
1. All information relating to the granting of exemptions to the border rules for ski industry
workers (including ski and snowboard instructors, ski patrol and safety specialists, snow grooming
and snowmaking machinery operators, and ski lift and snow sport technician) for the winter 2022
season.
Please ensure this includes but is not limited to communication and documentation regarding:
a. any conditions agreed to regarding rates of pay for those granted an exemption b. any
conditions agreed to surrounding guaranteed hours of work for those granted an exemption c.
any other conditions agreed to in order for the exemptions to be granted
All information relating to the granting of critical purpose visas and subsequent granting of work
rights for ski industry workers (including ski and snowboard instructors, ski patrol and safety
specialists, snow grooming and snowmaking machinery operators, and ski lift and snow sport
technician) for the winter 2022 season.
Please ensure this includes but is not limited to communication and documentation regarding:
a. any conditions agreed to regarding rates of pay for those granted an exemption b. any
conditions agreed to surrounding guaranteed hours of work for those granted an exemption c.
any other conditions agreed to in order for the exemptions to be granted
I am writing to advise you that MBIE will provide a response but needs to extend the time available to
answer your request. The reason for the extension applies to section 15A(1)(a) of the Act, as the request
necessitates a search through a large quantity of information and meeting the original time limit would
unreasonably interfere with the operations of the department, and to section 15A(1)(b) of the Act, as
consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response cannot be
made within the original time limit.
MBIE’s response wil be sent to you no later than 8 December 2022. However, we will respond to you
sooner if we are able to.
Labour, Science and Enterprise
15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wel ington 6140 New Zealand
E [email address]
W www.mbie.govt.nz
As you are aware, we are currently working with you on narrowing the scope of this request. Your request
as currently framed is large and will be very difficult to meet without substantial collation or research.
Refining of this request will help us to search for correct information that you require.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision, in accordance
with section 28(3) of the Act. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Kirsty Hutchison
Manager Immigration (Border and Funding) Policy
Labour, Science and Enterprise, MBIE
