3728 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister responsible for the NZSIS

3728 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister responsible for the NZSIS: In what circumstances would it be appropriate to charge for replying to Official Information Act requests made to their office, or agencies for which the Minister is responsible?

Hon Judith Collins: Section 18 of the OIA requires agencies consider charging for requests for substantial amounts of information, where a refusal would otherwise be applied. Section 15 (2) of the OIA states government agencies can charge a "reasonable" amount for supplying information, covering staff time (labour) and materials. Charges must follow Ombudsman New Zealand guidelines, and requesters can complain to the Ombudsman if they believe a charge is unreasonable.