Official information requests
How to make a request
How long will it take?
Withholding information
What will it cost?
Need more information?
Most of the information you seek is readily available from our staff. Just ask and, if possible, they will help you obtain this information. If you need a lot of information, or the information you require is not readily available, we will work with you on applying for the information.
The two types of Official Information requests are:
- Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act Requests (LGOIMA): These requests are governed by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. Under this Act, everything we do is public information and our books have to be open and freely available.
- If you are not happy with the information provided under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act, you can complain to the Office of the Ombudsmen.
- Privacy Requests: These requests are governed by the Privacy Act 1993 and means that you have the right to request, view and correct any information we hold about you. If you are not happy with the outcome of your request, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
How to make a request
Please make sure that your request includes your name, your postal or email address and specific details of the information you want.
You can choose how you would like to receive the information (for example, a discussion in person or an electronic copy). Please let us know your preferred method when you make your request.
Your request can be made by:
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How long will it take?
We will acknowledge your request as soon as practical and respond no later than 20 working days after we receive it.
If the request is for a large quantity of information or requires consultation, and meeting the original time limit is not possible, the Act allows for an extension of the time limit. If an extension is required, we will let you know within 10 working days of receiving your request.
If the information you want is held by another government organisation, we will transfer your request to the appropriate agency and let you know within 10 working days of receiving your request.
Urgent requests. You may ask that your request be treated as urgent and if so, we require you to provide a suitable reason for seeking urgency. We will try to process your request as soon as possible.
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Withholding information
We may withhold information for specific reasons. If so, we will explain the reason why.
For more information, please refer to sections 6 and 7 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.
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What will it cost?
If the reply is likely to take a significant amount of research or photocopying, Auckland Council is entitled under the Act to charge for the provision of the information.
Charging policy:
- The first five hours of time spent on fulfilling official information requests are free, and thereafter a charge of $38 for each additional half hour.
- Twenty pages of free photocopying, thereafter a charge of 20 cents per page.
- All other charges are fixed at an amount that recovers the actual costs involved (e.g. reproducing a photograph).
If we are going to charge you, we will advise you of the cost of your request before we begin working on it. You can then decide if you want to proceed, withdraw or refine your request. In accordance with section 13(4) of the Act, we can ask for some or all of the cost to be paid in advance. Our Chief Executive can waive charges at his discretion.
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Need more information?
If you have any questions regarding our process for official information requests, need clarification, further information, or would like to request new or additional information, you can email us at officialinformation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Where possible, please provide us with the reference number of your original request.
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