H2022013681 Response.pdf

133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
28 October 2022
J Bruning
By email:  [FYI request #20604 email]
Ref:
H2022013681
Tēnā koe J Bruning,
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), which was
transferred from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) to Manatū Hauora
(the Ministry of Health) on 29 September 2022 for information regarding the extension of special
powers under an Epidemic Notice. You requested:
“Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 Renewal Notice (No 3) 2022.
https://gazette.govt.nz/assets/pdf-cache/2022/2022-sl3849.pdf?2022-09-
13 09%3A54%3A58=
This Gazette notice dated 12th day of September 2022, extends the March 24, 2020
notice (the principal notice) here: https://gazette.govt.nz/assets/pdf-cache/2020/2020-
go1368.pdf?2020-12-17 22%3A55%3A25=
In Gazette notice you state that you are:
'satisfied that the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 are likely to continue to disrupt
essential governmental and business activity in New Zealand significantly'
The Ministry of Health states: 'An Epidemic Notice is a public policy tool to help
Government agencies respond swiftly and effectively in a rapidly evolving situation. An
epidemic notice enables the use of a number of ‘special powers’ in legislation.'
Please supply all evidence you relied on, and the reasons for your decision in extending
the powers put in place March 24, 2020.”
The briefing titled Review of the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 has been
identified within scope of your request. A copy of this document is appended to this letter with
some information withheld under the following sections of the Act:
• section 9(2)(a), to protect the privacy of natural persons;
• section 9(2)(g)(i), to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free
and frank expression of opinions;
• section 9(2)(h), to maintain legal professional privilege.
I have considered the countervailing public interest in release in making this decision and
consider that it does not outweigh the need to withhold at this time.
I trust this information fulfils your request. Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to
ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may
be contacted by email at: [email address] or by cal ing 0800 802 602.

Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Manatū Hauora website at: www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-
official-information-act-requests.

Nāku noa, nā

Steve Waldegrave
Associate Deputy Director-General
Strategy Policy and Legislation | Te Pou Rautaki
Page 2 of 2

1982
THE
ACT
UNDER
INFORMATION
RELEASED
OFFICIAL