The Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) allows New Zealanders to have access to official information held by governments and government agencies. This promotes openness and transparency, and enables New Zealanders’ participation in government.
Before you make a request
Before you make a request
We encourage you to check out the sources of information below, as you may find the information you need is already publicly available:
- Ministry of Defence publications (including Chief Executive disclosure of expenses)
- Ministry of Defence Select Committee submissions
- Defence Capability projects
- Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS)
Service personnel and medal records
Information on service personnel and medal records is held by the New Zealand Defence Force. For information on these subjects go to New Zealand Defence Force personnel and medal records.
How to make a request
How to make a request
Requests should include your name, your preferred postal or email address, and specific details of the information you want.
Go to the Contact Us page to make an OIA request to us online, or post your request to:
Ministry of Defence
PO Box 12703
Molesworth Street
Wellington 6144
New Zealand
How long will it take?
How long will it take?
We will respond to your request no later than 20 working days after we receive it. For large requests or those requiring consultation, we may extend the time limit under section 14 of the Official Information Act. If this happens for any particular reason, we will let you know and give you a specific due date.
If we believe another agency holds the information you have requested, we will transfer your request to them and let you know no later than 10 working days after receiving the request.
Withholding information
Withholding information
We may need to withhold information for specific reasons set out in the Official Information Act. If this occurs, we will explain the reasons why.
Due to the nature of our work, it is sometimes necessary to withhold information to protect national security interests or our defence relationships with other countries.
For more information, please refer to sections 6, 9, and 18 of the Official Information Act.
Complaints
Complaints
If you are unhappy with our response, please contact us in the first instance to see if we can resolve the issue. You have the right to seek a review of the response by the Ombudsman.
Related links
Related links
The following links to external websites provide additional information about making OIA requests.
- Official Information Act 1982
- Directory of Official Information - this directory contains contact details for all government organisations covered by the Official Information Act.
- Ombudsman’s Official Information Act Guides - guidance documents relating to the OIA.
- Charging Guidelines for Official Information Act requests