21 March 2018
22 August 2018
D Weir
Via email
: [FYI request #8393 email]
Dear D Weir,
Request for information
Thank you for your email dated 27 July 2018 requesting information in relation to a birthday party
that Police attended. You requested:
1. A breakdown of all costs incurred by the NZ Police Department for "event" including the
operational costs of the Staffing, Police Helicopter, Police Vehicle, Film Production Team and
"Birthday Gift".
2. Confirmation that all staff involved were off-duty at the time of the incident as per the claim
in the video.
3. Policies around off-duty police officers wearing their uniform for non-work events and the
carrying of Pepper Spray.
4. What approval process was made for this event?
5. Copies of all internal communications relating to the organisation, authorisation etc. of this
event.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. The response
to your questions is recorded below:
2) Police confirm that of the six staff that appeared in the video, three officers were on duty
and three were off duty. The officers that were on-duty were following operational
procedures and were able to attend any live jobs if required. These staff were also on their
lunchbreak at the time of filming. Eagle staff (Police helicopter) working on the day were
asked if it was possible for them to fly over the birthday party. As they were already in the
area and in between attending incidents it was operationally possible for Eagle to do this.
They did not specifically go in the air or fly to this area for this purpose.
3) As per Police Instructions, employees not on duty may wear uniform at events approved on a
case by case basis by their District Commander or National Manager. As officers were
wearing operational uniform, it is a requirement that O/C Spray (Pepper spray) is carried.
4) The approval process was conducted via Senior Sergeant Joe Hunter and the New Zealand
Police Media Team.
We are unable to provide some of the information you have requested for the fol owing reasons:
1) It is not uncommon for Police to seek to enhance public relations. Costs are not specifically
kept in relation to events of this type. There is no specific document containing such
information. In order to provide that information substantial collation and research is
necessary. Therefore, the information is withheld pursuant to section 18(e) and (f) of the
Official Information Act
5) Email correspondence between Senior Sergeant Joe Hunter and Garry Boles (Police Media
Team) has been attached. Some information has been withheld pursuant to Section 6(c) and
9(2)(a) of the Official Information Act.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Counties Manukau Police via email on
[email address], alternatively you can reply directly to me on
[email address]
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision if you are not satisfied with Police’s
response to your request.
Yours sincerely
Ashleigh Lowe
File Management Centre Manager