6 December 2024
45 Pipitea Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
PO Box 805, Wellington
Phone: 04 495 7200
P Robins
Email: [email address]
[FYI request #29042 email]
Website: dia.govt.nz
Tēnā koe P Robins,
Your Official Information Act 1982 request, reference OIA 2425-0430
I am responding to your email of 4 November 2024 to the Department of Internal Affairs
(the Department) requesting the following under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act):
I am politely and formally submitting a request for all communications, in any form,
between the Department and the Office of the Minister of Local Government regarding
the Wellington City Council for October 2024. This includes any exchanges between the
Minister and the Secretary.
On 28 November 2024, the Department sought to clarify the scope of your request with you.
On 2 December 2024, the Department informed you that, as we did not receive a response
from you, we would interpret your request as:
..communications, in any form, between the Department and the Office of the Minister
of Local Government regarding potential Crown intervention into the Wellington City
Council for October 2024
On this date, you were also advised that the date to respond to you was extended by five
working days, to 9 December 2024, under section 15A(b) of the Act, to allow for the
necessary consultations.
Response to your request
There are 17 documents within scope of your request.
I am releasing to you one document, and partially releasing five documents with some
information withheld under the following sections of the Act:
9(2)(a), to protect the privacy of natural persons; and
9(2)(g)(i), to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and
frank expression of opinions by or between or to Ministers of the Crown or members
of an organisation or officers and employees of any public service agency or
organisation in the course of their duty, of the Act.
I am withholding six documents under section 9(2)(g)(i) of the Act. The final version of one of
these documents, Document Eight, is publicly available on the Department’s website at:
www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/Files/Local-Government-2024/$file/Final-Terms-of-
Reference-Crown-Observer-to-Wellington-City-Council.pdf.
I am also refusing four documents under section 18(d) of the Act, as the information is
publicly available. Proactively released information can be found on the Department’s
website at: www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive-Release#LG.
I am refusing Document Six as it is a duplicate of Document Three. As noted above, this
document has been proactively released.
Additionally, on 14 October 2024, the Minister of Local Government met with officials from
the Department. At this meeting, Wellington City Council’s situation and potential options
for intervention were discussed. Following this meeting and throughout the week beginning
14 October 2024, several phone conversations of a transactional nature were held between
the Office of the Minister of Local Government and Departmental officials regarding
potential timeframes and other process related details.
As no notes were kept of this meeting or phone conversations, I am unable to provide
specific recollections.
Public interest considerations
As is required by section 9(1) of the Act, consideration has been given as to whether the
withholding of information is outweighed by other public interest considerations which
would make it desirable to make this information available. In this instance, it is not
considered to be the case.
Accessing the Ombudsman
You have the right to seek an investigation and review of my decision by the Office of the
Ombudsman. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Jeremy Cauchi
Director Ministerial and Monitoring
Appendix B: Documents for release
under the Official Information Act 1982
Released
Ngā mihi
Fergus
From: Michael Lovett <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 October 2024 8:41 AM
To: Richard Ward <[email address]>; Fergus Broom
<[email address]>; Anthea Oliver <[email address]>; Kate Barnes
<[email address]>
Subject: RE: Media response for urgent review
….and a way through maybe to state he is considering, rather than seeking advice.
From: Richard Ward <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 8:40 AM
To: Fergus Broom <[email address]>; Anthea Oliver
<[email address]>; Michael Lovett <Michael.Lovett@dia govt.nz>; Kate Barnes
<[email address]>
Subject: RE: Media response for urgent review
Thanks Fergus
This largely repeats what the Minister of Finance publicly said yesterday as reported in the
Herald. Nicola Willis says Wellington City Council is a shambles, Government watching very
closely - NZ Herald
@Kate Barnes understand you are reviewing.
My read is that most of this is opinion and9(2)(h)
The question for the Office is the highlighted piece as this confirms a commissioning from the
Office for advice. Saying this will lead to ongoing follow ups from media about what advice was
provided, what did it say etc. So just need to check Office comfort with this and that advice will
be commissioned.
under the Official Information Act 1982
Nga mihi
Rich
“Awesome people delivering high quality advice to decision makers”
From: Fergus Broom <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 8:30 AM
To: Anthea Oliver <[email address]>; Richard Ward <[email address]>;
Michael Lovett <[email address]>
Released
Cc: Allie Chau <[email address]>; Sophie Farrell
<[email address]>
Subject: Media response for urgent review
Importance: High
Hi all, can I please have this media response reviewed by
9:10am today
If legal could have a look too that would be great thanks. Happy to take call to discuss
Wellington ratepayers expect the City Council to focus on delivering core services, keeping
rates under control, and ensuring a financially sustainable future.
While councils can amend their Long Term Plans, last week’s change of direction raises
serious questions about the Council’s priorities. Ratepayers, already facing the largest
rates rise in the country, deserve clarity and responsible leadership. It seems the Council is
increasingly focused on themselves rather than the people they serve.
Wellingtonians are seeking assurance from the City Council on the next steps and what
impact these decisions could have on their rates bill. Transparency is essential for restoring
public confidence in the Council’s actions.
I’m closely monitoring the situation and I am seeking advice on whether any Government
intervention may be warranted, given the potential impacts on Wellington’s Long Term Plan
and the governance challenges that may result Ratepayers deserve assurance that
Council decisions are being made with their best interests in mind.
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under the Official Information Act 1982
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From: Anthea Oliver <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 9:54 AM
To: Fergus Broom <[email address]>; Allie Chau
<[email address]>; Sophie Farrell <[email address]>
Cc: Kate Barnes <[email address]>; Jorge Bolanos Lopez
<[email address]>; Richard Ward <[email address]>; Michael Lovett
<[email address]>; Karen Hope-Cross <[email address]>; Adam
Bennett <[email address]>; Eden Green <[email address]>
Subject: RE: WCC - draft letter and TOR
Kia ora Fergus
In addition, I have also now attached a draft press release and draft reactive Q&A.
Ngā mihi,
Anthea
From: Anthea Oliver
Sent: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 9:30 am
To: Fergus Broom <[email address]>; Allie Chau
<[email address]>; [email address]
Cc: Kate Barnes <[email address]>; Jorge Bolanos Lopez
<[email address]>; R chard Ward <[email address]>; Michael Lovett
<[email address]>; Karen Hope-Cross <[email address]>
Subject: WCC - draft letter and TOR
Kia ora Fergus
Please find attached the draft letter and TOR for WCC. Note that there are a few things that are
highlighted in yellow in the TOR – these will be added in once they are finalised (post
consultation).under the Official Information Act 1982
Happy to discuss any feedback.
Ngā mihi,
Anthea
Anthea Oliver (she/her) | Manager | Operational Policy | Ue te Hīnātore - Local Government
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Branch
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Mobile: 9(2)(a)
| Email: [email address]
45 Pipitea Street | PO Box 805, Wellington 6140, New Zealand | www.dia.govt.nz
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Document 12
From:
Kate Barnes
To:
Fergus Broom
Subject:
possible timelines
Date:
Tuesday, 22 October 2024 4:28:07 pm
Attachments:
image001.jpg
Possible timelines for Cabinet process. Wellington Crown Observer.docx
Hi Fergus,
Just to add to the mix – I’ve updated Jorge’s advice from Friday on possible timelines if
appointment goes ahead. If you can indicate a preference by end of the week that would be
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helpful.
Thanks
Act
Kate
Kate Barnes (she/her)| Senior Policy Analyst | Operational Policy | Ue te Hīnātore - Local
Government Branch
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Mobile: 9(2)(a)
| Email: [email address]
DIA Logo - Black
Information
I work primarily from Whanganui, but always happy to meet via Teams.
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Document 14
From:
Kate Barnes
To:
Fergus Broom; Anthea Oliver
Subject:
RE: Service coverage
Date:
Tuesday, 22 October 2024 1:32:53 pm
Attachments:
image002.jpg
image003.jpg
Hi Fergus,
The council officers’ report to WCC on 10/10 indicated cuts of between $400m and $600m to the capital programme if the
share sale didn’t go ahead.
Projects in the capital programme included:
Major initiatives: Cycleways programme, social housing upgrades, Golden Mile, City Streets programme, future provision
for community new and upgraded community facilities
Community or facility upgrades: Begonia House, Bond Store, Grenada Sports Hub, Khandallah pool, Newtown
community hub, Otari landscape plan, venues upgrades
Infrastructure upgrades: retaining wall upgrades, preseal preparations, footpath upgrades, LED streetlight ransition,
speed management and parking upgrades,
Services improvements: rubbish collection bin changes, library collections upgrades, zoo masterplan
Thanks
Kate
Kate Barnes (she/her)| Senior Policy Analyst | Operational Policy | Ue te Hīnātore Local Government Branch
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Mobile: 9(2)(a)
| Email: [email address]
DIA Logo - Black
I work primarily from Whanganui, but always happy to meet via Teams.
From: Fergus Broom <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 1:20 pm
To: Anthea Oliver <Anthea.Oliver@dia govt.nz>; Kate Barnes <[email address]>
Subject: Service coverage
The question the min has is where the PR says “The council has a range of options available to it rather than reducing
service coverage”
Question s what we’re referring to when we say reducing service coverage
under the Official Information Act 1982
Howeve , this is probably less urgent than it was as that aspect of the PR has now been removed. But would be good to
get an answer on this please. Thanks
Fergus Broom
Private Secretary Local Government | Office of Hon Simeon Brown
Minister for Energy, Minister of Local Government, Minister of Transport, Minister for Auckland, Member of Parliament for
Pakuranga
M:
Em9(2)(a)
[email address] Website: www Beehive govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
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Document 15
From:
Kate Barnes
To:
Fergus Broom
Subject:
updated timelines
Date:
Wednesday, 23 October 2024 12:11:08 pm
Attachments:
image001.jpg
Updated - Possible timelines for Cabinet process Wellington Crown Observer.docx
Hi Fergus,
Sorry for the delay – please see attached updated timelines for intervention. Bit messy due to the
multiple decision points. These options have all been drafted on the assumption that MO can get
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approval for late lodgement.
Happy to chat if needed.
Act
Thanks
Kate
Kate Barnes (she/her)| Senior Policy Analyst | Operational Policy | Ue te Hīnātore - Local
Government Branch
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Mobile: 9(2)(a)
| Email: [email address] Information
DIA Logo - Black
I work primarily from Whanganui, but always happy to meet via Teams.
Official
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Document 17
From:
Kate Barnes
To:
Fergus Broom
Subject:
RE: updated timelines
Date:
Wednesday, 23 October 2024 1:17:27 pm
Attachments:
image001.jpg
Re: gazette timing
The Gazette office accepts urgent requests on a case-by-case basis (their discretion) but makes
no promises as to turnaround times.
We can submit the notice ahead of time, requesting a publish date/time the afternoon following
Cabinet. If the ToR and appointment is not approved, we can cancel the notice or put it on hold.
Kate Barnes (she/her)| Senior Policy Analyst | Operational Policy | Ue te Hīnātore Local
Government Branch
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Mobile: 9(2)(a)
| Email: [email address]
DIA Logo - Black
I work primarily from Whanganui, but always happy to mee v a Teams.
From: Kate Barnes
Sent: Wednesday, 23 October 2024 12:11 pm
To: Fergus Broom <[email address]>
Subject: updated timelines
Hi Fergus,
Sorry for the delay – please see attached updated timelines for intervention. Bit messy due to the
multiple decision points. These options have all been drafted on the assumption that MO can get
under the Official Information Act 1982
approval for late lodgement.
Happy to chat if needed.
Thanks
Kate
Kate Barnes (she/her)| Senior Policy Analyst | Operational Policy | Ue te Hīnātore - Local
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Government Branch
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Mobile: 9(2)(a)
| Email: [email address]
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