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Chief Ombudsman publishes final opinion on complaint about phone messages of Government Ministers
The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has published his final opinion on a complaint about the refusal of Ministers Hon Shane Jones, Hon Simeon Brown and Hon Chris Bishop to release phone messages related to their roles.
The Ministers received an information request asking for all text messages, WhatsApp and Snapchat messages sent and received in their Ministerial capacities between 20 March and 20 April 2024.
The complainant was asked by Ministers Jones and Bishop to consider refining his request because it was too broad but the complainant declined to do so.
All three Ministers ultimately refused the request under section 18(f) of the Official Information Act ‘as the information requested cannot be made available without substantial collation or research’.
Mr Boshier formed the final opinion that it was open to the Ministers to refuse the request, as worded, as the information for the portfolios and time period specified could not be made available without substantial collation or research.
He did, however, express disappointment that Ministers Jones and Bishop’s efforts to consult the complainant before relying on section 18(f) were not more fulsome. He was also disappointed that Minister Brown didn’t consult the complainant before refusing his request.
Mr Boshier considered these concerns resolved by all Ministers confirming that they remained open to discussing potential alternative approaches with the complainant to address his information requests should he so wish.
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