Assessment of New Zealand's Comprehensive Financial Contributions to Gaza (Period: Oct 7, 2023 – Feb 1, 2024)

Lance D. Lavery made this Official Information request to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Response to this request is long overdue. By law Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

As part of our ongoing comprehensive nine-part series under the Official Information Act 1982, this fourth request continues our in-depth assessment of New Zealand's engagement in Gaza. Following our initial inquiries focusing on humanitarian aid, specialized healthcare system support, and the impact on education and culture, this request seeks to elucidate the financial transparency and accountability of New Zealand's contributions to Gaza from 7 October 2023 to 1 February 2024.

Part 4: Detailed Inquiry into Financial Contributions to Gaza

1. Humanitarian Aid:

• A comprehensive account and detailed breakdown of funds allocated by New Zealand for humanitarian aid in Gaza since 7 October 2023, including specific programs or initiatives supported.
• Information on the process and criteria for fund disbursement, monitoring mechanisms, and timelines.
• Evaluation of partnerships with international or local NGOs and their effectiveness in aid distribution.

2. Medical Aid:

• Exhaustive details on financial support for medical and healthcare services in Gaza, including funding for infrastructure development, equipment supply, and personnel training.
• Information on direct involvement in healthcare projects, including partnerships with local health authorities or international organisations.
• Reports or evaluations that highlight the impact of New Zealand’s medical aid on Gaza’s healthcare system.

3. Educational Support:

• Complete summary of financial contributions towards educational initiatives in Gaza, detailing the nature, scope, and implementation of supported projects.
• Insight into collaborative efforts with educational entities and the outcomes of such collaborations.
• Impact assessments, if available, on the contributions' effect on educational development in Gaza.

4. Infrastructure Development:

• Detailed information on New Zealand's financial contributions towards infrastructure development in Gaza, including utilities, transportation, and building projects.
• Criteria and processes for selecting and assessing these projects, including environmental and social impact evaluations.
• Effectiveness reports of these infrastructure projects in improving living conditions in Gaza.

5. Technology and Innovation Support:

• Comprehensive details on investments in technology and innovation in Gaza, especially in information and communication technology, renewable energy, and agricultural technology.
• Information on collaboration with local tech industries or educational institutions to foster innovation and technological advancement.
• Impact assessments of these initiatives on Gaza’s economic development and quality of life.

A comprehensive response, including detailed financial reports and impact assessments, is anticipated by 7 February 2024. Your thorough and timely response is essential for understanding the extent and impact of New Zealand's financial contributions in these critical sectors of Gaza. We appreciate the transparency and accountability this information will provide, reflecting our commitment to responsible international support.

Yours faithfully,

Lance D. Lavery

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From: ENQUIRIES
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

[UNCLASSIFIED]

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From: ENQUIRIES
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

[UNCLASSIFIED]

Kia ora Lance D Lavery

Thank you for your OIA request received on 10 December 2023 for:
1.Humanitarian Aid:

•A comprehensive account and detailed breakdown of funds allocated by New Zealand for humanitarian aid in Gaza since 7 October 2023, including specific programs or initiatives supported.
•Information on the process and criteria for fund disbursement, monitoring mechanisms, and timelines.
•Evaluation of partnerships with international or local NGOs and their effectiveness in aid distribution.

2.Medical Aid:

•Exhaustive details on financial support for medical and healthcare services in Gaza, including funding for infrastructure development, equipment supply, and personnel training.
•Information on direct involvement in healthcare projects, including partnerships with local health authorities or international organisations.
•Reports or evaluations that highlight the impact of New Zealand’s medical aid on Gaza’s healthcare system.

3.Educational Support:

•Complete summary of financial contributions towards educational initiatives in Gaza, detailing the nature, scope, and implementation of supported projects.
•Insight into collaborative efforts with educational entities and the outcomes of such collaborations.
•Impact assessments, if available, on the contributions' effect on educational development in Gaza.

4.Infrastructure Development:

•Detailed information on New Zealand's financial contributions towards infrastructure development in Gaza, including utilities, transportation, and building projects.
•Criteria and processes for selecting and assessing these projects, including environmental and social impact evaluations.
•Effectiveness reports of these infrastructure projects in improving living conditions in Gaza.

5.Technology and Innovation Support:

•Comprehensive details on investments in technology and innovation in Gaza, especially in information and communication technology, renewable energy, and agricultural technology.
•Information on collaboration with local tech industries or educational institutions to foster innovation and technological advancement.
•Impact assessments of these initiatives on Gaza’s economic development and quality of life.
This email confirms receipt of your request and advises that we will respond to it as soon as reasonably practicable, and in terms of the timeframes and requirements of the OIA.

Please note that our response letter to you (with your personal details redacted), and any enclosed documents, may be published on the Ministry’s website.

Please also note that your request is formally due after the OIA summer holiday period (25 December 2023 to 15 January 2024), which are not considered working days as set out in section 2(1) of the OIA, however the Ministry will seek to provide you with a decision on your request as soon as possible.

Ngā mihi

Executive Services Division
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade | Manatū Aorere

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From: ESD
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade


Attachment OIA 28963 Lance Lavery Response.pdf
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[UNCLASSIFIED]

Tēnā koe Lance Lavery,

On behalf of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, please see attached the response to your official information request.

Ngā mihi,

Executive Services Division

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