OIAs are being obstructed by this clause in the act.

section 7(2)(c)(ii) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) (New Zealand):

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Section 7 – Other reasons for withholding official information

(Relevant excerpt)

7(2) Subject to sections 6, 8, and 17, this section applies if, and only if, the withholding of the information is necessary to—

(c) protect information which is subject to an obligation of confidence or which any person has been or could be compelled to provide under the authority of any enactment, where the making available of the information—

(ii) would be likely otherwise to damage the public interest.

When you hold back the information in cases like the seaweed one at the moment the public need to understand all the facts, as we are talking about animal heath, plant health and our own health.  section (ii) is very important to the public. 

The bastards are obstructing as they are making up information to suit themselves

Public Interest in Fiduciary Accountability

The Council’s insurance arrangements are public assets funded through rates and Treasury channels. Disclosure serves clear public interest in confirming that losses arising from negligence, fiduciary breach, or misconduct are properly insured and recoverable to protect ratepayers and third parties.

Section 7(2)(c)(ii) cannot be used to suppress information that protects public trust in the administration of justice and risk management.