iSAYSO
This is serious stuff they are abusing the system put in place for controlling the Agents and Corporations
Re: OIA26-0298 + OIA26-0307 – Response to your requests
Dear Mr McCarthy,
I acknowledge MPI’s response dated 11 May 2026 regarding OIA26-0298 and OIA26-0307.
I do not accept MPI’s characterisation of the request as frivolous or vexatious under section 18(h) of the Official Information Act 1982.
The 16 April 2026 request was expressly framed so as not to duplicate earlier disclosure. It sought identification of the specific records MPI relies upon to account for seized property, including:
1. the authority for seizure;
2. inventory of items taken;
3. chain of custody;
4. destruction or disposal decisions;
5. the outcome for each item;
6. any financial accounting or proceeds arising from seized property;
7. the specific record concerning the Christchurch/Canada seaweed incident.
MPI’s response does not identify the documents, dates, disclosure references, page numbers, or record locations where that accounting can be found.
Nor does MPI clearly confirm whether such records are held, whether they do not exist, or whether reasonable searches have been conducted.
For avoidance of doubt, this is not a request to relitigate criminal disclosure. It is a request for administrative accountability for property seized, handled, destroyed, disposed of, or relied upon by MPI.
Please reconsider the refusal and provide either:
(a) the specific record references where the requested accounting is held; or
(b) a clear statement that MPI does not hold such records, together with confirmation of the searches undertaken.
If MPI maintains reliance on section 18(h), please provide the reasons relied upon for treating a focused property-accounting request as frivolous or vexatious, including how MPI considered the public interest in accountability for seized property.
This matter is copied to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Yours sincerely,
Simon Stott
On May 11, 2026 at 2:40 PM, <Official Information Act> wrote:
Tçnâ koe Simon,
On behalf of Peter McCarthy, Director Legal Services, please find attached the response to your requests.
Ngâ mihi,
Official Information Act Team
Government Services | Public Affairs
Ministry for Primary Industries | Charles Fergusson Building, 34-38 Bowen Street | PO Box 2526 | Wellington | New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 00 83 33 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.mpi.govt.nz