2 February 2024
45 Pipitea Street, Wellington 6011
Phone +64 4 495 7200
dia.govt.nz
J Brunning via FYI
fyi-request-25206-
[email address]
Tēnā koe
OIA request 23/24 0457 Request for information on false passports
Thank you for your Official Information Act (Act) request received by the Department of Internal
Affairs (Department) on 16 December 2023.
You requested –
1. Please can you supply all reports/advice reviewing the extent to which authorities are
detecting use/supply of false/fake New Zealand passports or drivers' licenses in New
Zealand, by New Zealand citizens/residents and the increase or decrease of this practice
against historic norms.
2. If possible please supply information pertaining the occasions where false/fake passports
or drivers' licenses will be used/supplied.
As advised by email on 12 January 2024, the information that you requested regarding drivers
licences was transferred to the Waka Kotahi - New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) in
accordance with section 14(b) of the Act. This is because the information you have requested is
not held by the Department, but is believed to be held by, and more closely related to the
functions of NZTA.
In response to your request I can provide you with the following information.
Question one
I can advise that pursuant to section 15(1)(b) of the Act, the Department has decided to provide
you with the current, available information. However, we are still working to prepare the
information for release and will provide it as soon as practicable. We anticipate having the
requested information to you by no later than 16 February 2024.
Please note that some information may be withheld pursuant to the following sections of the
Act –
• 9(2)(a) – the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural
persons.
• 9(2)(k) - prevent the disclosure or use of official information for improper gain or
improper advantage
Question two
I can advise that the Department is not able to release specific information related to cases as
the information could be used could be used for improper gain or improper advantage and/or
would breach the privacy of individuals identified. Therefore, this part of your request must be
refused under sections 9(2)(k) - prevent the disclosure or use of official information for
improper gain or improper advantage and 9(2)(a) of the Act; protect the privacy of natural
persons, including that of deceased natural persons.
As this information may be of interest to other members of the public, the Department has
decided to proactively release a copy of this response on the DIA website. All requestor data,
including your name and contact details, will be removed prior to release. The released
response will be made available here:
https://www.dia.govt.nz/Official-Information-Act-
Requests-2.
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 www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngā mihi
Julia Taylor
Manager Operational Policy and Official Correspondence
Service Delivery and Operations
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