Investments in Israel
Jake Benge made this Official Information request to Palmerston North City Council
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From: Jake Benge
Dear Palmerston North City Council,
I am writing to formally request information regarding any and all investments held by the Council, directly or indirectly, in companies operating within Israel. I am particularly interested in investments that may be linked to companies involved in activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, which have been the subject of considerable international scrutiny.
Palmerston North’s position on this issue holds importance for many ratepayers who are deeply concerned about the ethical implications of council investments. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, as demonstrated by Christchurch City, I would appreciate a comprehensive list detailing:
1. Any direct or indirect council investments in Israeli companies.
2. Any council contracts or procurement agreements with companies engaged in activities related to the construction or maintenance of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
3. Details on whether there are current policies or investment screens in place to avoid entanglement with companies associated with these human rights concerns.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your timely response.
Kind regards,
Jake Benge
From: LGOIMA Requests
Palmerston North City Council
Kia ora Jake
We have received your official information request
We received your request on 31/10/2024 for information relating to any financial investment in Israel by this Council.
We will do our best to respond to your request as soon as possible and no later than 28/11/2024. If we aren’t able to respond to your request within this 20 working day period, we will let you know.
We are working on your request
We are currently gathering any information we hold that relates to your request. If we need to clarify anything, we'll get in touch with you.
On some occasions we need to charge for the cost of labour and materials involved in making information available, or for making information available urgently. If a charge is required, we will let you know before your request is processed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by emailing [Palmerston North City Council request email]. Your reference number is LGOIMA SRC0202030
Ngā mihi
Kate Scrase
Legal Advisor
Kaitohutohu ā-Ture
Official Information Team
Legal Services
Palmerston North City Council
Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442
06 356 8199
pncc.govt.nz
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From: LGOIMA Requests
Palmerston North City Council
Kia ora Jake
We refer to your official information request received on 31 October 2024
for information relating to any financial investment in Israel by Council.
Our response
Q1. Any direct or indirect council investments in Israeli companies.
Council’s Manager Financial Strategy advises that Council does not hold
any such investments.
Q2. Any council contracts or procurement agreements with companies engaged
in activities related to the construction or maintenance of Israeli
settlements in Palestinian territories.
We have decided to refuse your request under section 17(g) of the Local
Government Official Information and Meetings Act. The information
requested does not exist. Council does not record supplier engagement in
other territories in our financial management system so are unable to
identify suppliers utilised by us who engaged in activities in relation to
the construction or maintenance of Israeli settlements in Palestinian
territories, if at all.
Q3. Details on whether there are current policies or investment screens in
place to avoid entanglement with companies associated with these human
rights concerns.
The Council has an investment policy which includes the following
statement:
“The Council seeks to invest in an ethical manner which it defines as
meaning that it will invest in entities that demonstrate a positive
approach to the environment, society and governance. The Council will not
invest where there are significant legal or ethical concerns, and will
specifically exclude investment in the following areas:
• the manufacturing or development of controversial weapons
• the manufacturing of tobacco
• the production of fossil fuels
• generating revenue from the operation of casino gambling.”
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
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngā mihi,
Kate Scrase
Legal Advisor
Kaitohutohu ā-Ture
Official Information Team
Legal Services
Palmerston North City Council
[2][IMG] Te Marae o Hine − 32 The Square
Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North 4442
06 356 8199
[3]pncc.govt.nz
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