The total number of prosecutions initiated by MPI from 1 January 2010 to present;

To:

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)

 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

This request is made pursuant to the Official Information Act 1982.

 

This request seeks information regarding enforcement, prosecution activity, evidential standards, and associated public expenditure.

 

2. PROSECUTION ACTIVITY

 

Provide:

 

(a) The total number of prosecutions initiated by MPI from 1 January 2010 to present;

(b) A breakdown by category (e.g. NAIT, animal welfare, biosecurity, fisheries, food safety);

(c) Annual totals of prosecutions commenced.

 

3. OUTCOMES

 

Provide:

 

(a) The number of convictions obtained;

(b) The number of prosecutions withdrawn or discontinued;

(c) The number of cases resulting in acquittal;

(d) The number of cases subject to appeal and outcomes of those appeals.

 

4. COSTS AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Provide:

 

(a) Total expenditure by MPI on prosecution and enforcement litigation over the same period;

(b) Any internal reporting on costs per prosecution (if available);

(c) Total legal costs awarded to MPI;

(d) Total legal costs awarded against MPI;

(e) Any settlement payments made by MPI in relation to enforcement actions.

 

5. EVIDENTIAL STANDARDS

 

Provide:

 

(a) Any policies, guidelines, or internal documents relating to evidential sufficiency prior to initiating prosecution;

(b) Any guidance provided to staff regarding the requirement to establish intent (where applicable);

(c) Any documents addressing the reliability or limitations of evidential systems used (including NAIT data).

 

6. DECISION-MAKING

 

Provide:

 

(a) Documents outlining how decisions are made to initiate prosecution;

(b) Any internal thresholds, criteria, or approval processes;

(c) Any audits, reviews, or assessments of prosecution decision-making.

 

7. OVERSIGHT AND REVIEW

 

Provide:

 

(a) Any internal or external reviews of MPI enforcement or prosecution practices;

(b) Any findings relating to procedural fairness, evidential sufficiency, or decision-making quality;

(c) Any recommendations arising from such reviews.

 

8. PUBLIC INTEREST ASSESSMENTS

 

Provide:

 

(a) Any policies or documents addressing how public interest is assessed in deciding whether to prosecute;

(b) Any cost-benefit or proportionality assessments undertaken in relation to enforcement activity.

 

9. TRANSFER

 

If any part of this request is more appropriately held by another agency, please transfer under section 14 of the Act.

 

10. FORM OF RESPONSE

 

I request that the information be provided in electronic form.

 

In good faith,

 

Tracy Lynch