Dear Department of Internal Affairs,

I would like to make the following request.

In its response to me dated 31 May 2018, DIA stated that Geoffrey Palmer and Terence Arnold have both declared "various interests" while accepting the role of chair of the inquiry into Operation Burnham. Were either or both asked if they had any actual or potential conflicts to declare, or did either or both volunteer such information? Please provide me with all communication with Messrs Palmer and Arnold regarding this question.

What action has been taken by DIA to manage the various interests declared by Messrs Palmer and Arnold?

In its response of 31 May, DIA says that Messrs Palmer and Arnold were not appointed "by way of a contract for services". How were they appointed if not for a contract for services?

In regards to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Building Failure Caused by the Canterbury Earthquakes, what practical steps were taken to ensure the inquiry was independent, impartial and fair? Please provide me with all documents which indicate or show that the inquiry was independent, impartial and fair.

Please contact me if you have any queries.

Yours faithfully,

Ross Francis