Make a request for official information

The Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) gives individuals, organisations, and businesses in New Zealand the right to request information held by government agencies. This helps ensure government transparency, accountability, and public participation in decision-making.

Official Information Act 1982(external link) — New Zealand Legislation website

Before you make a request

Before submitting an OIA request, check whether the information is already publicly available:

• MBIE document library – contains searchable list of all documents that are uploaded to the MBIE website.
• Published OIA responses – previously released responses of public interest.
• Release of information page – contains links of published information including:
  • Cabinet papers and minutes
  • Lists of Ministerial documents
  • Budget documentation.
• MBIE Annual reports – the Annual Report is our main reporting mechanism to Parliament; it outlines our performance compared to the performance targets set in the previous year's Statement of Performance Expectations.
• Directory of Official Information(external link) – helps identify which agency holds the information.
• MBIE datasets(external link) – open data and statistics.
• Office of the Ombudsman guidance(external link) – tips for making effective requests.(external link)

How to make a request

You can submit an OIA request in writing or verbally. Written requests are preferred for clarity and tracking. Include the following:

• Your name
• Contact details (email or postal address)
• A clear description of the information you’re seeking
• Preferred format (for example, email or paper copy)

Submit your request via:

Official Information Request form

• Email: oia@mbie.govt.nz
• Post:
  Ministerial Services
  Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  PO Box 1473
  Wellington 6140

If you're unsure how to frame your request or need help identifying the right information, email us at oia@mbie.govt.nz before submitting your request.

Processing your request

What to expect

We will acknowledge your request as soon as practicable and aim to respond within 20 working days of receiving it. In some cases, we may contact you to clarify your request or ask for additional information. This helps ensure we understand what you're seeking and can respond accurately. Providing a clear and specific description of the information you need will help avoid delays.

To estimate when you'll receive a reply, use the Ombudsman’s Response Calculator(external link) – Ombudsman

Transfer your request

If MBIE does not hold the information you’ve requested, we may transfer your request to another agency or Minister who is more likely to hold it. This is done under section 14 of the OIA. Transfers must occur within 10 working days of receiving your request.

If a transfer is necessary, we’ll let you know which agency or Minister your request has been sent to and why. In some cases, we may contact you first to confirm your intent and ensure the transfer is appropriate. This helps avoid delays and ensures your request reaches the right place.

Extensions

Under section 15A of the OIA, we may extend the standard 20-working-day timeframe if your request is particularly large, complex, or requires consultation with other parties.

Section 15A (external link)– New Zealand Legislation

If an extension is needed, we’ll notify you within the original timeframe, explain the reason, and provide a new expected response date. We aim to keep extensions to a minimum and will continue to process your request as promptly as possible.

Charges

Charges are not typically applied to OIA requests. However, in cases where a request is substantial or requires significant resources to process, we may consider charging. If we do, we follow the Ministry of Justice’s charging guidelines, which outline when and how charges may be applied. We will let you know in advance if a charge is likely and provide an estimate.

Official Information Act requests(external link) – justice.govt.nz

Official Information Act Requests Policy

For MBIE’s guiding principles on OIA requests, refer to the Official Information Act Requests Policy.

Making a request for personal information

To request access to, or correction of your personal information under the Privacy Act 2020, refer to MBIE’s Privacy page for contact details and advice.

Privacy

If you are unsatisfied with our response to your request, or any privacy-related concern, advice is available on the Office of the Privacy Commissioner's website as follows:

• Making a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner (external link)– Office of the Privacy Commissioner 
• Complaint self-assessment(external link) – Office of the Privacy Commissioner