in LandsAirWater Counsel – Weekly Operational Report

Reporting Period: Last 7 Days

Prepared for: Trustees and Beneficiaries

Date: 4 March 2026

1. Government Information Requests (OIA / LGOIMA)

Ministry of Health / Te Whatu Ora:

Work progressed on Official Information Act requests relating to COVID vaccination policy implementation,

workforce vaccination requirements, and suspension or cessation of remuneration for health workers.

Responses indicate documents exist regarding operationalisation of vaccination policies and that some

information is withheld under legal privilege provisions. Inter-agency communications occurred between

the Ministry of Health, Treasury, Crown Law, Public Service Commission, and Te Whatu Ora.

A targeted follow‑up OIA strategy is being prepared to avoid refusal under frivolous or vexatious grounds.

2. Treasury Correspondence

Treasury correspondence indicates the department does not directly manage certain enforcement matters.

Questions have been raised regarding revenue recovery or clawback mechanisms linked to Crown Law litigation.

Further clarification requests are being prepared.

3. Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)

RBNZ requested clarification regarding a request referencing Treasury.

A clarification response confirming the scope of the request is being prepared.

4. Queenstown Lakes District Council (LGOIMA)

A final response was received regarding wastewater discharge consent strategy.

Assessment is underway to determine whether the response is complete and whether

follow‑up requests or Ombudsman escalation is warranted.

5. Court Matters – Brigitta Maas (Marton District Court)

Court registry confirmed that the next appearance is scheduled for 11 March in Marton District Court.

Administrative confusion regarding the previous hearing date has been corrected.

A memorandum clarifying document timing and filing format is being prepared.

6. Police Prosecution Correspondence

Police prosecution service corrected an administrative error relating to the hearing date.

At this stage there is no change to the defence strategy required.

7. Property and Title Issues – LINZ

Review of title documents and mortgage records is underway.

A possible signature discrepancy has been identified on mortgage documentation.

Further records are required including mortgage instrument copy, transfer records,

title history, caveat history, and instrument registration details.

Once obtained, a formal response to LINZ will be prepared.

8. Banking Issue – ANZ

ANZ complaints team acknowledged fault regarding the withdrawal of rates arrears from the account

without communication from council regarding the Bill of Exchange.

ANZ requested copies of the Bill of Exchange and follow‑up correspondence.

A formal acknowledgement letter confirming documentation will be supplied is being prepared.

9. Fisheries / MPI Disclosure Issues

Disclosure material was received including CCTV footage and evidence files relating to an MPI investigation.

The disclosure appears incomplete and may involve withholding of evidence.

A memorandum to court and legal representatives requesting full disclosure and clarification is being prepared.

10. Ombudsman and Oversight Bodies

Concerns have been raised regarding failure of agencies to respond to affidavits and

lack of Ombudsman capacity to triage matters. Communication is being prepared to raise

oversight concerns and highlight the backlog affecting responses.

11. Trust Administrative Work

Internal trust work during the week included preparation of formal notices,

review of midwifery governance and safety records, documentation relating to patient safety pathways,

drafting of court memoranda and OIA follow‑ups, and preparation of responses relating to police

and regulatory matters.

12. Next Week Priorities

1. Obtain LINZ title and instrument records.

2. File memorandum regarding MPI disclosure issues.

3. Submit targeted follow‑up OIA requests.

4. Prepare documentation for Marton District Court appearance.

5. Send documentation to ANZ complaints team.

6. Review wastewater consent documentation from QLDC.