7 October 2024
Michael Riconosciuto
[FYI request #28576 email]
Ref: PMO OIA 124-2024-25
Dear Michael Riconosciuto
Official Information Act request: Attendance at All Blacks match
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), received
on 29 September 2024. You requested (numbering added for ease of reference):
“I request
[1] all communications regarding the Prime Minister and Minister for Sport &
Recreation’s attendance at the Al Blacks vs Australia test match.
[2] I also request any costs incurred for the visit.”
We have understood your request to be about the attendance of the Prime Minister and
Minister for Sport and Recreation at the All Blacks match held in Wellington on Saturday
28 September 2024.
I believe that your request as it relates to the attendance of the Minister for Sport and
Recreation at the match is more closely connected to the functions of the Minister for Sport
and Recreation, Hon Chris Bishop. Accordingly, I have decided to transfer this part of your
request to Hon Chris Bishop, as the Minister for Sport and Recreation under section 14(b)(ii)
of the Act.
For Part [2] of your request about costs incurred for the visit, the Prime Minister was based in
in Wellington on Friday and Saturday to attend events. Therefore, the only cost incurred for
the Prime Minister to attend the match would be the cost of transport by VIP car to and from
the stadium. VIP transport is provided through the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Your
request as it relates to any costs incurred by the use of the VIP car to attend the match, is
more closely connected to the functions of DIA. Accordingly, I have decided to transfer
Part [2] of your request to DIA under section 14(b)(ii) of the Act.
Both the Minister for Sport and Recreation and DIA have the usual time limits from receipt of
this transfer to make a decision on your request.
Yours sincerely
Cameron Burrows
Chief of Staff