J Floyd
[FYI request #23994 email]
26 September 2023
Dear J Floyd
OIA 23-24-07: GOLF AND TRAVEL
Thank you for your email of 29 August to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), making a
request under the Of icial Information Act 1982 (the Act). You requested the following
information:
Since 1 January 2021, how many rounds of golf, counting 9-hole rounds as one round, has
Dylan Lawrence played while on work funded travel? Please include both scored rounds and
those where other formats were used (e.g. ambrose, teams, rounds played but score not
kept). This would include rounds at events such as at NZPCA conferences and hosting
delegations.
Please provide this information by year and by location.
What is NZTE's policy for golfing during work time or during funded travel?
Answers to your questions are as follows:
NZTE does not keep a record of the information you request and does not hold information on
the number of holes or format of golf played by staff members. We are therefore refusing this
part of your request under Section 18(e) of the Act on the grounds that the information doesn’t
exist, but include the below information for context.
On occasion Dylan Lawrence travels for work-related domestic private capital events (such as
the New Zealand Private Capital Conference in Queenstown). During
these conferences/events, golf is sometimes part of broader engagement activities, and from
time-to-time, Dylan Lawrence wil participate with others in those activities.
NZTE does not have a specific policy on golf. Our policy states we do not normally cover costs
for leisure activities. When such an activity is integrated with a work event, with network
benefits, then this is considered a legitimate part of the engagement. The example mentioned
above is viewed as a work-related activity.
You have the right under section 28(3) of the Act to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman. Information about how to make a complaint is available at:
www.ombudsman.parliament.govt.nz or freephone: 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Melissa Trochon
Director – Board & 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