Dear John,

I'm writing to acknowledge receipt of your request for official information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 ('LGOIMA').

We received your request on Sunday 15 October. We will respond to your request as soon as possible and in any event no later than Monday 23 November, being 20 working days after the day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me via email at [email address]. If any additional factors come to light which are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that these can be taken into account.

Yours sincerely,

James Liddell

show quoted sections

Dear John,
My apologies; the latest date for our response is Monday 13 November, not the 23rd.

James

show quoted sections

Dear John,

 

LGOIMA request for information relating to the Museum’s decision to light
for Israel

 

I refer to your request dated 15 October for information relating to the
Museum’s decision to light for Israel on Sunday 15 October. The Local
Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) requires that we
advise you of our decision on your request no longer than 20 working days
after the day we received your request. Unfortunately, it will not be
possible to meet that time limit and we are therefore writing to notify
you of an extension of the time to make our decision to 4 December 2023.

 

This extension is necessary because your request necessitates a search
through a large quantity of information and meeting the original time
limit would unreasonably interfere with our operations (s.14(1)(a) LGOIMA)
and consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such
that a proper response to the request cannot be reasonably made within the
original time limit (s.14(1)(b) LGOIMA).

 

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
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this
decision, please feel free to contact [2][email address].

 

Yours sincerely,

Laura Skerritt

 

 

Laura Skerritt | Strategic Communications & Planning Manager |
Auckland War Memorial Museum | Tâmaki Paenga Hira |
The Domain, Private Bag 92018, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand |
E [email address]

 

[3][IMG]

 

The material in this email is confidential to the recipient named above.
If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or
disclose this communication. If you have received this message in error
please notify us immediately by email or telephone (+64 9 309 0443) and
delete the email. Auckland War Memorial Museum Trust Board (“Auckland
Museum”) accepts no liability for any viruses carried in this email, or
any effects this email may have on the recipients computer systems or
networks. The opinions expressed in this email may be from the sender
alone and not necessarily reflect the views of Auckland Museum.

References

Visible links
1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
2. mailto:[email address]
3. https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/service-p...

Dear John Wilson,

 

Official information request for information relating to lighting the
museum on 15 October 2023.

 

I refer to your official information request dated 15 October 2023 seeking
information on the following questions. The information you have requested
is enclosed.

1.       A comprehensive list of all individuals or groups consulted in
the process of making this decision, including representatives of the
Israeli and Palestinian communities, museum staff, members of the museum
board, and any other affected communities.

David Reeves, the Chief Executive, members of the Executive Team and
several museum managers discussed lighting the Museum between 9 and 15
October. A Museum manager consulted representatives of the following
organisations between 12 and 13 October to enquire whether they would also
be lighting their landmarks:

o Sky City
o Vector Lights
o Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath (Auckland Council)
o Hot City
o Eden Park
o Maritime Museum
o Scentre group
o PWC Tower

The Chief Executive also discussed lighting the Museum with two Board
members, including the Board Chair, on the Sunday following the
publication of the social media post.

 

The Museum did not specifically consult any members of the Israeli or
Palestinian communities. We received at least one request from a New
Zealand-based community group to light the Museum on 9 October.

 

We have determined that due to the level and nature of feedback that
Museum staff have received directly, there is a very real risk of
harassment and harm to persons involved. We are, therefore, declining to
release to you the names, titles and roles of some of the persons involved
in this decision in in accordance with (s.7(2)(f)(ii) LGOIMA) to maintain
the effective conduct of public affairs through the protection of
employees from improper pressure or harassment.

 

2.       Any correspondence, memos, or documents related to the decision,
its planning, or discussions leading up to it.

We are enclosing all documents relating to the decision and a summary
outlining the decision process. We have determined that due to the level
and nature of feedback that Museum staff have received directly, there is
a very real risk of harassment and harm to persons involved.

We are, therefore, declining to release to some information in accordance
with LGOIMA to protect the privacy of natural persons (s.7(2)(a) LGOIMA).
Nor are we releasing to you the names, titles and roles of some of the
persons involved in this decision to maintain the effective conduct of
public affairs through the protection of employees from improper pressure
or harassment (s.7(2)(f)(ii) LGOIMA).

 

3.        Information about any potential impacts or collaborations with
external parties regarding this event.

See correspondence.

 

4.       Were the decision-makers at the museum aware of the statements
made by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 9th, where he
stated, "We are imposing a complete siege on [Gaza]. No electricity, no
food, no water, no fuel – everything is closed. We are fighting human
animals & we act accordingly," when making the decision to stand in
solidarity with Israel?

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

5.       Prior to lighting the museum in solidarity with Israel, was the
museum aware of the following:

a. That over 700 children had been killed by the Israeli Defense Forces.

b. Of the numerous other atrocities committed by Israel, including the use
of white phosphorus bombs on a civilian population.

c. That Israel had demanded the internal displacement of 1.1 million
people.

d. That Israel had bombed civilian convoys.

e. That Israel was conducting collective punishment via cutting off
electricity, water, and humanitarian supplies.

 

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

6.       Were the decision-makers at the museum aware that Israel has been
described as an apartheid state?

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

7.       Did anyone in a decision-making capacity at the museum support
apartheid?

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

8.       Could you provide all relevant museum policies and procedures
related to politically sensitive decisions?

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

9.       Please provide a list of all other countries or causes for which
the museum has lit up the building in solidarity and any relevant policies
or guidelines regarding such actions.

Auckland War Memorial Museum began lighting its façade in 2009, however
our written record for the lighting schedule begins in 2019. We are aware
of occasional instances earlier than this but are unable to find further
confirmed details. Please see attachment for the list of dates and
occasions from 2019.

 

10.   Does the museum intend to light up in solidarity with the
Palestinian casualties of Israel's ongoing attack on Gaza, including
children, United Nations workers, journalists, and the internally
displaced population?

No, the Museum does not intend to light as we are currently reviewing our
lighting processes.

 

Due to the size of the files, I have uploaded them to Dropbox at the
following link:
[1]https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ldled8cps....
Please let me know if you have difficulty accessing them here.

 

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
[2]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

Yours sincerely

Laura Skerritt

 

From: Laura Skerritt
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 3:17 PM
To: '[FOI #24449 email]'
<[FOI #24449 email]>
Subject: LGOIMA request for information relating to the Museum’s decision
to light for Israel

 

Dear John,

 

LGOIMA request for information relating to the Museum’s decision to light
for Israel

 

I refer to your request dated 15 October for information relating to the
Museum’s decision to light for Israel on Sunday 15 October. The Local
Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) requires that we
advise you of our decision on your request no longer than 20 working days
after the day we received your request. Unfortunately, it will not be
possible to meet that time limit and we are therefore writing to notify
you of an extension of the time to make our decision to 4 December 2023.

 

This extension is necessary because your request necessitates a search
through a large quantity of information and meeting the original time
limit would unreasonably interfere with our operations (s.14(1)(a) LGOIMA)
and consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such
that a proper response to the request cannot be reasonably made within the
original time limit (s.14(1)(b) LGOIMA).

 

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
[3]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this
decision, please feel free to contact [4][email address].

 

Yours sincerely,

Laura Skerritt

 

 

Laura Skerritt | Strategic Communications & Planning Manager |
Auckland War Memorial Museum | Tāmaki Paenga Hira |
The Domain, Private Bag 92018, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand |
E [5][email address]

 

[6][IMG]

 

The material in this email is confidential to the recipient named above.
If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or
disclose this communication. If you have received this message in error
please notify us immediately by email or telephone (+64 9 309 0443) and
delete the email. Auckland War Memorial Museum Trust Board (“Auckland
Museum”) accepts no liability for any viruses carried in this email, or
any effects this email may have on the recipients computer systems or
networks. The opinions expressed in this email may be from the sender
alone and not necessarily reflect the views of Auckland Museum.

References

Visible links
1. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ldled8cps...
2. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
3. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
4. mailto:[email address]
5. mailto:[email address]
6. https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/service-p...

Laura Skerritt would like to recall the message, "LGOIMA request for information relating to the Museum’s decision to light for Israel".

The material in this email is confidential to the recipient named above. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication. If you have received this message in error please notify us immediately by email or telephone (+64 9 309 0443) and delete the email. Auckland War Memorial Museum Trust Board (“Auckland Museum”) accepts no liability for any viruses carried in this email, or any effects this email may have on the recipients computer systems or networks. The opinions expressed in this email may be from the sender alone and not necessarily reflect the views of Auckland Museum.

Dear John,

Apologies, please use this link to access the documents instead:
[1]https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xwlo49nqc...

 

One of them was missing a redaction. Please let me know if you have
difficulty using the link.

 

Yours sincerely,

Laura

 

From: Laura Skerritt
Sent: Friday, December 1, 2023 4:46 PM
To: '[FOI #24449 email]'
<[FOI #24449 email]>
Subject: RE: LGOIMA request for information relating to the Museum’s
decision to light for Israel

 

Dear John Wilson,

 

Official information request for information relating to lighting the
museum on 15 October 2023.

 

I refer to your official information request dated 15 October 2023 seeking
information on the following questions. The information you have requested
is enclosed.

 

1.       A comprehensive list of all individuals or groups consulted in
the process of making this decision, including representatives of the
Israeli and Palestinian communities, museum staff, members of the museum
board, and any other affected communities.

David Reeves, the Chief Executive, members of the Executive Team and
several museum managers discussed lighting the Museum between 9 and 15
October. A Museum manager consulted representatives of the following
organisations between 12 and 13 October to enquire whether they would also
be lighting their landmarks:

o Sky City
o Vector Lights
o Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath (Auckland Council)
o Hot City
o Eden Park
o Maritime Museum
o Scentre group
o PWC Tower

The Chief Executive also discussed lighting the Museum with two Board
members, including the Board Chair, on the Sunday following the
publication of the social media post.

 

The Museum did not specifically consult any members of the Israeli or
Palestinian communities. We received at least one request from a New
Zealand-based community group to light the Museum on 9 October.

 

We have determined that due to the level and nature of feedback that
Museum staff have received directly, there is a very real risk of
harassment and harm to persons involved. We are, therefore, declining to
release to you the names, titles and roles of some of the persons involved
in this decision in in accordance with (s.7(2)(f)(ii) LGOIMA) to maintain
the effective conduct of public affairs through the protection of
employees from improper pressure or harassment.

 

2.       Any correspondence, memos, or documents related to the decision,
its planning, or discussions leading up to it.

We are enclosing all documents relating to the decision and a summary
outlining the decision process. We have determined that due to the level
and nature of feedback that Museum staff have received directly, there is
a very real risk of harassment and harm to persons involved.

We are, therefore, declining to release to some information in accordance
with LGOIMA to protect the privacy of natural persons (s.7(2)(a) LGOIMA).
Nor are we releasing to you the names, titles and roles of some of the
persons involved in this decision to maintain the effective conduct of
public affairs through the protection of employees from improper pressure
or harassment (s.7(2)(f)(ii) LGOIMA).

 

3.        Information about any potential impacts or collaborations with
external parties regarding this event.

See correspondence.

 

4.       Were the decision-makers at the museum aware of the statements
made by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 9th, where he
stated, "We are imposing a complete siege on [Gaza]. No electricity, no
food, no water, no fuel – everything is closed. We are fighting human
animals & we act accordingly," when making the decision to stand in
solidarity with Israel?

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

5.       Prior to lighting the museum in solidarity with Israel, was the
museum aware of the following:

a. That over 700 children had been killed by the Israeli Defense Forces.

b. Of the numerous other atrocities committed by Israel, including the use
of white phosphorus bombs on a civilian population.

c. That Israel had demanded the internal displacement of 1.1 million
people.

d. That Israel had bombed civilian convoys.

e. That Israel was conducting collective punishment via cutting off
electricity, water, and humanitarian supplies.

 

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

6.       Were the decision-makers at the museum aware that Israel has been
described as an apartheid state?

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

7.       Did anyone in a decision-making capacity at the museum support
apartheid?

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

8.       Could you provide all relevant museum policies and procedures
related to politically sensitive decisions?

The Museum does not hold any official information relevant to this part of
your request.

 

9.       Please provide a list of all other countries or causes for which
the museum has lit up the building in solidarity and any relevant policies
or guidelines regarding such actions.

Auckland War Memorial Museum began lighting its façade in 2009, however
our written record for the lighting schedule begins in 2019. We are aware
of occasional instances earlier than this but are unable to find further
confirmed details. Please see attachment for the list of dates and
occasions from 2019.

 

10.   Does the museum intend to light up in solidarity with the
Palestinian casualties of Israel's ongoing attack on Gaza, including
children, United Nations workers, journalists, and the internally
displaced population?

No, the Museum does not intend to light as we are currently reviewing our
lighting processes.

 

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
[2]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

Yours sincerely

Laura Skerritt

 

From: Laura Skerritt
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 3:17 PM
To: '[FOI #24449 email]'
<[3][FOI #24449 email]>
Subject: LGOIMA request for information relating to the Museum’s decision
to light for Israel

 

Dear John,

 

LGOIMA request for information relating to the Museum’s decision to light
for Israel

 

I refer to your request dated 15 October for information relating to the
Museum’s decision to light for Israel on Sunday 15 October. The Local
Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) requires that we
advise you of our decision on your request no longer than 20 working days
after the day we received your request. Unfortunately, it will not be
possible to meet that time limit and we are therefore writing to notify
you of an extension of the time to make our decision to 4 December 2023.

 

This extension is necessary because your request necessitates a search
through a large quantity of information and meeting the original time
limit would unreasonably interfere with our operations (s.14(1)(a) LGOIMA)
and consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such
that a proper response to the request cannot be reasonably made within the
original time limit (s.14(1)(b) LGOIMA).

 

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
[4]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this
decision, please feel free to contact [5][email address].

 

Yours sincerely,

Laura Skerritt

 

 

Laura Skerritt | Strategic Communications & Planning Manager |
Auckland War Memorial Museum | Tāmaki Paenga Hira |
The Domain, Private Bag 92018, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand |
E [6][email address]

 

[7][IMG]

 

The material in this email is confidential to the recipient named above.
If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or
disclose this communication. If you have received this message in error
please notify us immediately by email or telephone (+64 9 309 0443) and
delete the email. Auckland War Memorial Museum Trust Board (“Auckland
Museum”) accepts no liability for any viruses carried in this email, or
any effects this email may have on the recipients computer systems or
networks. The opinions expressed in this email may be from the sender
alone and not necessarily reflect the views of Auckland Museum.

References

Visible links
1. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xwlo49nqc...
2. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
3. mailto:[FOI #24449 email]
4. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
5. mailto:[email address]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/service-p...