9 April 2024
Ref: DOIA 2324-1937
Lee Jared
Email:
[FYI request #26047 email] Dear Lee Jared
Thank you for your email of 10 March 2024 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following information:
1. Documentation on Observations: Any records, reports, or analyses of aerial objects or
phenomena that could not be identified immediately by standard aviation, aerospace, or defense
classifications. This includes, but is not limited to, what is commonly referred to as Unidentified
Aerial Phenomena (UAP), anomalous aerial vehicles, or unusual aerial sightings.
2. Research and Analysis: Information on any studies, research projects, or analyses undertaken or
commissioned by the New Zealand Space Agency regarding unidentified or anomalous aerial
phenomena, including collaborations with international agencies or bodies.
3. Policy and Protocols: Details on any policies, protocols, or guidelines developed for the
reporting, investigation, and documentation of these phenomena. This request includes inter-
agency communication protocols related to unidentified aerial observations.
4. Terminology and Definitions: Insight into the terminology used by the New Zealand Space
Agency and MBIE to categorize or refer to unidentified or anomalous aerial phenomena. If a
different term from "UAP" is utilized internally, please include relevant information filed under
such terminology.
5.International Collaboration: Records of any discussions, communications, or collaborations with
international counterparts, agencies, or organizations regarding the handling, research, or policy
development related to unidentified or anomalous aerial phenomena.
No such information of this nature is held by MBIE. Having consulted with other departments we have no
reason to consider any other government agency holds such information.
Regarding past documentation, in 2010 the New Zealand Defence Force released fifteen volumes
containing all accumulated correspondence held relating to reports of aerial phenomena, sightings, or
unidentified flying objects. These documents are available for reading at the National Library.
https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22979464. Additionally, any material held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been released to Archives
New Zealand and can be freely accessed onlin
e. Search results - Collections search (archives.govt.nz)
MBIE is therefore refusing your request under Section 18(g) of the Act, that the information requested is
not held by the department or venture or Minister of the Crown or organisation and the person dealing
with the request has no grounds for believing that the information is either—
(i)
held by another department (for itself and for a departmental agency hosted by it or an
interdepartmental executive board serviced by it) or interdepartmental venture or Minister
of the Crown or organisation, or by a local authority; or
(ii)
connected more closely with the functions of another department (for itself and for a
departmental agency hosted by it or an interdepartmental executive board serviced by it) or
interdepartmental venture or Minister of the Crown or organisation or of a local authority:
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further assistance,
please contact
[email address]. 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.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Johnson
Manager Space Policy and Sector Development
Science, Innovation and International
