30 May 2023
Al
[FYI request #22356 email]
Ref: OIA-2022/23-0869
Dear Al
Official Information Act request follow up to request for correspondence/documents
related to the use of domestic vaccine passes
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 2 May 2023.
You requested:
Thank you for responding on the portion of my request to relating to what was the
document dated the 5th of July.
Funnily enough, I did read that document but because there was no mention of a
domestic version of the vaccine pass (only in relation to international travel) I wondered
if it was the correct reference. Perhaps the 2nd part of my request will shed more light
on that?
I'm certainly interested in how that document which does not explicitly discuss it - led to
domestic vaccine pass discussions.
On 22 May 2023 you were advised that the document titled ‘Consultation (Initial advice on
domestic use of Vaccine certificates)’ was identified as being within scope of your request
and you clarified that both the document and embedded emails were to be considered for
release.
Please find enclosed the relevant information, subject to some information withheld under the
following section of the Act:
• section 9(2)(h), to maintain legal professional privilege
• section 9(2)(a), to protect the privacy of individuals
I can further advise that this information was the basis for the previously released ‘Joint
Briefing: Initial Advice on the Domestic Use of COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates’, I have
however, withheld the DRAFT copy of this briefing in full under the following section of the
Act:
• section 9(2)(g)(i), to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the
free and frank expression of opinion
However, here is a link to the final briefing:
https://covid19.govt.nz/assets/Proactive-
Releases/Alert-levels-and-restrictions/10-Dec-2021/Vaccine-Certificates-and-CPF/Initial-
advice-on-the-domestic-use-of-COVID-19-Vaccination-certificates.pdf
Please note that this response covers information held by DPMC. The Ministry of Health
would also hold information within scope of your request, however, I understand that you
4751196
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
64 4 817 9698 www.dpmc.govt.nz
have made a similar request to the Ministry of Health and as such I refer you to their
response.
Finally, you will note on page 5 of the document being released to you that the Ministry for
Pacific Peoples (MPP) is recorded as not having provided a response to DPMC. MPP have
asked me to let you know that they did not provide a response because the request for
comment wasn’t received due an error in the recipient’s email address.
In making my decision, I have considered the public interest considerations in section 9(1) of
the Act. No public interest has been identified that would be sufficient to override the reasons
for withholding that information.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
This response may be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s
website during our regular publication cycle. Typically, information is released monthly, or as
otherwise determined. Your personal information including name and contact details will be
removed for publication.
Yours sincerely
Clare Ward
Executive Director
Strategy, Governance, and Engagement
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