Documents and Information Related to May 2023 UAP Briefing and NZDF Involvement
N. S. Hudson made this Official Information request to New Zealand Defence Force
The request was refused by New Zealand Defence Force.
From: N. S. Hudson
Dear NZDF,
I am writing to submit a request for specific documents and information related to the participation of NZDF representatives at the May 2023 UAP briefing held in Washington, DC, and the subsequent discussions and topics covered in that meeting. It has been previously confirmed by the NZDF that a representative from the NZDF office in Washington attended this conference. Additionally, a US FOIA request, details of which are available upon request, has confirmed that New Zealand participated and shared information at the meeting.
Request Details:
Participation Confirmation:
- Documents or records confirming the attendance of Mike Shapland, the NZDF Defence Attaché in Washington DC, or any representative from his office, including secretaries or assistants, at the May 2023 UAP briefing.
Dr. Kirkpatrick’s Welcoming Address and U.S. Updates on UAP Efforts:
- Documents, memos, or emails related to Dr. Kirkpatrick’s Welcoming Address.
- Information or documents pertaining to updates on the following topics:
- AARO Operations
- AARO Analysis
- AARO Strategic Communications
- FAA involvement
- NASA involvement
- NIM-A updates
- NIM-M updates
Updates from FVEY Partners:
- Documents, presentations, or notes on updates provided by representatives from:
- Australia
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Specific documents or information on updates provided by New Zealand representatives regarding UAP activities, investigations, or initiatives.
FVEY UAP Collaboration Way-Ahead Plan:
- Documents, memos, or emails discussing the "FVEY UAP Collaboration Way-Ahead Plan" as mentioned in the agenda.
- Topics to consider as outlined in the document, including:
- Networks to share FVEY UAP Reporting (Unclassified, Secret REL FVEY, and TS//SI/TK Rel FVEY)
- Need for shared databases showing known objects using various sensors
- FVEY UAP Collection Planning
- Future Meeting Schedule (How often, virtual or in-person?)
- Other FVEY forums to tie into? i.e., Emerging and Disruptive Technologies
UAP Database:
- Any documents or records regarding the establishment, maintenance, or use of databases by the NZDF or in collaboration with FVEY partners related to UAP sightings, reports, or investigations.
Given the scope of this request, if the volume of documents is substantial, please provide a list of the documents first so that I can refine my request based on the available records.
Thank you for your assistance. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information or clarification.
Kind regards,
N.S.Hudson
From: N. S. Hudson
Dear New Zealand Defence Force,
I am checking in that you have recieved this email request.
Yours faithfully,
N. S. Hudson
From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Defence Force
Good morning N.S. Hudson
Your request below has been received and a decision on your request will be provided as soon as possible and no later than 22 July 2024. Responses to requests for information that are considered to be in the wider public interest will be published on the New Zealand Defence Force website (www.nzdf.mil.nz). Your personal information will not be published. (Note: If the request has come through FYI, remove 'Your personal information will not be published.)
Regards
Corporate and Ministerial Services
OCDF, Office of Chief of Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
www.nzdf.mil.nz
-----Original Message-----
From: N. S. Hudson [mailto:[FOI #27315 email]]
Sent: Wednesday, 26 June 2024 5:18 p.m.
To: Ministerial Services <[NZDF request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information request - Documents and Information Related to May 2023 UAP Briefing and NZDF Involvement
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Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If in any doubt, please forward the email to [email address] and then delete the email from your Inbox. Thank you
Dear New Zealand Defence Force,
I am checking in that you have recieved this email request.
Yours faithfully,
N. S. Hudson
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Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #27315 email]
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The information contained in this Internet Email message is intended
for the addressee only and may contain privileged information, but not
necessarily the official views or opinions of the New Zealand Defence Force.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or
distribute this message or the information in it.
If you have received this message in error, please Email or telephone
the sender immediately.
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From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Defence Force
Good afternoon NS Hudson
Please find attached a response to your request.
Regards
Corporate and Ministerial Services
OCDF, Office of Chief of Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
www.nzdf.mil.nz
-----Original Message-----
From: N. S. Hudson [mailto:[FOI #27315 email]]
Sent: Thursday, 20 June 2024 5:26 p.m.
To: Ministerial Services <[NZDF request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Documents and Information Related to May 2023 UAP Briefing and NZDF Involvement
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization.
Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If in any doubt, please forward the email to [email address] and then delete the email from your Inbox. Thank you
Dear NZDF,
I am writing to submit a request for specific documents and information related to the participation of NZDF representatives at the May 2023 UAP briefing held in Washington, DC, and the subsequent discussions and topics covered in that meeting. It has been previously confirmed by the NZDF that a representative from the NZDF office in Washington attended this conference. Additionally, a US FOIA request, details of which are available upon request, has confirmed that New Zealand participated and shared information at the meeting.
Request Details:
Participation Confirmation:
- Documents or records confirming the attendance of Mike Shapland, the NZDF Defence Attaché in Washington DC, or any representative from his office, including secretaries or assistants, at the May 2023 UAP briefing.
Dr. Kirkpatrick’s Welcoming Address and U.S. Updates on UAP Efforts:
- Documents, memos, or emails related to Dr. Kirkpatrick’s Welcoming Address.
- Information or documents pertaining to updates on the following topics:
- AARO Operations
- AARO Analysis
- AARO Strategic Communications
- FAA involvement
- NASA involvement
- NIM-A updates
- NIM-M updates
Updates from FVEY Partners:
- Documents, presentations, or notes on updates provided by representatives from:
- Australia
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Specific documents or information on updates provided by New Zealand representatives regarding UAP activities, investigations, or initiatives.
FVEY UAP Collaboration Way-Ahead Plan:
- Documents, memos, or emails discussing the "FVEY UAP Collaboration Way-Ahead Plan" as mentioned in the agenda.
- Topics to consider as outlined in the document, including:
- Networks to share FVEY UAP Reporting (Unclassified, Secret REL FVEY, and TS//SI/TK Rel FVEY)
- Need for shared databases showing known objects using various sensors
- FVEY UAP Collection Planning
- Future Meeting Schedule (How often, virtual or in-person?)
- Other FVEY forums to tie into? i.e., Emerging and Disruptive Technologies
UAP Database:
- Any documents or records regarding the establishment, maintenance, or use of databases by the NZDF or in collaboration with FVEY partners related to UAP sightings, reports, or investigations.
Given the scope of this request, if the volume of documents is substantial, please provide a list of the documents first so that I can refine my request based on the available records.
Thank you for your assistance. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information or clarification.
Kind regards,
N.S.Hudson
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[FOI #27315 email]
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Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
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If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The information contained in this Internet Email message is intended
for the addressee only and may contain privileged information, but not
necessarily the official views or opinions of the New Zealand Defence Force.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or
distribute this message or the information in it.
If you have received this message in error, please Email or telephone
the sender immediately.
hide quoted sections
From: N. S. Hudson
Dear Ministerial Services,
Thankyou for your reply. I understand there is confidence to be maintained, I am just trying to find out what information I am 'allowed to know'.
- How many representatives of NZ were present?;
- Is/Are the representative(s) a NZDF employee?,
- If they are NZDF employee(s) - without naming them may I know their role/department/branch, and if they are normally stationed in NZ or overseas?
- If not NZDF employee(s) - are they contracted from within or outside of NZ, and from what sector?
- As there was an opportunity for NZ (as with other partners) to speak under the "FVEY Partner UAP Update" in the 10:15am to 11:30am timeslot per the FOIA request from USA to Mr Grant Lavac of Australia, and as the NZDF has no database/reports or investigations, was the basic message "thanks for the invite, but we have nothing to share"?
-Was the typical information that is widely associated with UAP (therefore not confidential) given, that:
1) They tend to be interested in Nuclear facilities eg Manufacturing, Dumps, Power Stations, Weapon sites etc?
2) They are more highly represented at certain 'hotspots' where they tend to congregate/travel to & from?
3) They seem to have a link to a radio frequency around approximately 1.6GHz?
(- Am I allowed to request personal opinions for the below?)
- Does the NZDF not believe in UAP,
- Is the info from AARO and from credible military personel worldwide just not compelling enough,
- Is there just no funding to look into it,
- Is the NZDF aware but doesn't see a direct threat, therefore leave UAP alone?
FOIA info from USA: https://x.com/GrantLavac/status/18030263...
Yours sincerely,
N. S. Hudson
From: Ministerial Services
New Zealand Defence Force
Good afternoon NS Hudson,
Please find attached a response to your request below.
Regards
Corporate and Ministerial Services
OCDF, Office of Chief of Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
www.nzdf.mil.nz
-----Original Message-----
From: N. S. Hudson [mailto:[FOI #27315 email]]
Sent: Wednesday, 24 July 2024 9:52 p.m.
To: Ministerial Services <[NZDF request email]>
Subject: RE: Official Information request - Documents and Information Related to May 2023 UAP Briefing and NZDF Involvement OIA-2024-5065 UNCLASSIFIED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization.
Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If in any doubt, please forward the email to [email address] and then delete the email from your Inbox. Thank you
Dear Ministerial Services,
Thankyou for your reply. I understand there is confidence to be maintained, I am just trying to find out what information I am 'allowed to know'.
- How many representatives of NZ were present?;
- Is/Are the representative(s) a NZDF employee?,
- If they are NZDF employee(s) - without naming them may I know their role/department/branch, and if they are normally stationed in NZ or overseas?
- If not NZDF employee(s) - are they contracted from within or outside of NZ, and from what sector?
- As there was an opportunity for NZ (as with other partners) to speak under the "FVEY Partner UAP Update" in the 10:15am to 11:30am timeslot per the FOIA request from USA to Mr Grant Lavac of Australia, and as the NZDF has no database/reports or investigations, was the basic message "thanks for the invite, but we have nothing to share"?
-Was the typical information that is widely associated with UAP (therefore not confidential) given, that:
1) They tend to be interested in Nuclear facilities eg Manufacturing, Dumps, Power Stations, Weapon sites etc?
2) They are more highly represented at certain 'hotspots' where they tend to congregate/travel to & from?
3) They seem to have a link to a radio frequency around approximately 1.6GHz?
(- Am I allowed to request personal opinions for the below?)
- Does the NZDF not believe in UAP,
- Is the info from AARO and from credible military personel worldwide just not compelling enough,
- Is there just no funding to look into it,
- Is the NZDF aware but doesn't see a direct threat, therefore leave UAP alone?
FOIA info from USA: https://x.com/GrantLavac/status/18030263...
Yours sincerely,
N. S. Hudson
-----Original Message-----
Good afternoon NS Hudson
Please find attached a response to your request.
Regards
Corporate and Ministerial Services
OCDF, Office of Chief of Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
www.nzdf.mil.nz
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #27315 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The information contained in this Internet Email message is intended
for the addressee only and may contain privileged information, but not
necessarily the official views or opinions of the New Zealand Defence Force.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or
distribute this message or the information in it.
If you have received this message in error, please Email or telephone
the sender immediately.
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