iSAYSO
Another example of MPI lack of response
COMPLAINT UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT 1982
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Kia ora,
I write to lodge a formal complaint under the Official Information Act 1982 concerning the handling of an Official Information Act request by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
- Background
On 19 January 2026, an Official Information Act request was submitted to MPI seeking official institutional records, namely:
– Warrants;
– Warrant applications;
– Supporting affidavits or evidentiary material;
– Authorisations or judicial instruments;
– Correspondence between MPI and New Zealand Police;
that were applied for, issued, relied upon, or referenced by MPI in relation to enforcement activity involving Simon Stott.
The request does not seek personal information about the requester. It seeks records created, held, or relied upon by MPI in the exercise of statutory enforcement powers.
- MPI Response
MPI responded stating that it would not process the request unless photographic identification was provided, asserting obligations relating to protection of personal information.
- Grounds of Complaint
MPI’s refusal to process the request pending identification is procedurally and legally incorrect for the following reasons:
- No statutory requirement for photographic identification
The Official Information Act 1982 does not require a requester to provide photographic identification where:
– The request concerns institutional or operational records, and
– The requester is not seeking access to their own personal information.
Identity verification is relevant only in limited circumstances involving disclosure of personal information about the requester. That is not the case here.
- Improper delay of statutory timeframes
By refusing to commence processing unless identification is supplied, MPI has:
– Imposed a requirement not contained in the Act; and
– Effectively suspended statutory timeframes without lawful authority.
This constitutes an unlawful administrative barrier to access to official information.
- Failure to cite withholding grounds
MPI has not identified:
– Any specific withholding ground under sections 6, 9, or 18 of the Act; nor
– Any statutory provision authorising refusal or delay based on identity in this context.
- Public interest
The request concerns the existence and legality of warrants and enforcement authority exercised by a public agency. There is a strong public interest in transparency where coercive powers are exercised.
- Relief Sought
I respectfully request that the Ombudsman:
- Determine that MPI is not entitled to require photographic identification for this Official Information Act request;
- Recommend that MPI immediately resume processing the request;
- Confirm that statutory timeframes run from the original receipt date of 19 January 2026;
- Require MPI to either:
– Release the requested information; or
– Properly refuse it by citing specific statutory grounds under the Official Information Act.
- Current Status
As at the date of this complaint:
– MPI has not commenced substantive processing of the request;
– No lawful refusal decision has been issued;
– The delay is attributable solely to an improper identity demand.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ngā mihi nui,
F Q
for and on behalf of
InLandsAirWater Counsel – Private Trust
Email: [email protected]
Attachments (if required):
- OIA request dated 19 January 2026
- MPI response requesting photographic identification
Begin forwarded message:
From: Official Information Act <[email protected]>
Date: Jan 20, 2026 at 2:22 PM
To: F Q <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: OIA URGENT
Kia ora,
Thank you for your email of 19 January 2026, requesting information relating to Simon Stott.
Your request is being considered under the Official Information Act 1982.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has statutory obligations to protect the personal information we hold. Before you receive any of your personal information, we must be satisfied that we know who you are so that we don’t risk giving information to the wrong person. We request that you supply via return email a copy of your photographic identification.
Accepted forms of photographic ID include a passport, drivers’ licence, student identification, Kiwi Access 18+ card, or firearms licence.
We will begin processing your request once this is received. We will be unable to provide you the information you have requested without an identifying document.
Please provide the requested proof of identification within five working days.
Ngā mihi nui,
Official Information Act Team
Government Services | Public Affairs
Level 15 (West) | Charles Fergusson Building
Ministry for Primary Industries – Manatū Ahu Matua
Web: www.mpi.govt.nz |Our Kotahi page: Official Information Act team
From: F Q <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, 19 January 2026 12:08 pm
To: Official Information Act <[email protected]>
Cc: Spsseaweed <[email protected]>; Records <[email protected]>; Crown-Richard <[email protected]>
Subject: OIA URGENT
OIA – Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
This request is made under the Official Information Act 1982.
Please provide certified copies of all warrants, warrant applications, affidavits, authorisations, or judicial instruments that were applied for, issued, relied upon, or referenced by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in relation to:
- Simon Stott (full name as held on MPI records);
- Any associated addresses, properties, or operations;
- Any investigations, inspections, or enforcement actions.
This request includes, but is not limited to:
- Copies of all warrants (search, inspection, seizure or otherwise);
- Copies of all supporting affidavits or evidentiary material submitted in support of any warrant application;
- The name and title of the issuing authority (Judge, Registrar, or Justice);
- The date and place of issue of each warrant;
- Any conditions, limitations, or scope attached to the warrant;
- Any correspondence between MPI and the New Zealand Police regarding execution or assistance.
If no such warrants exist, please confirm that in writing.
This request is limited to factual records and does not seek opinion.