Official Information Request - 27 October 2017

Sent: Friday, 27 October 2017 11:39 a.m.

Subject: TRIM: Request for information

Council has received a recommendation from the Ombudsman to release the information you requested on 24 November 2016, namely the legal and associated costs incurred by Rotorua Lakes Council as a direct result of the District Court petition lodged and subsequently withdrawn by Reynold Macpherson.

In accordance with that recommendation I advise that Council incurred total legal costs of $63,487.48 in preparation and attendance for the court case.

Response to original request

Official Information Request - 23 November 2016

I refer to your letter of 23 November 2016 requesting the legal and associated costs incurred by Rotorua Lakes Council as a direct result of the District Court petition lodged and subsequently withdrawn by Reynold Macpherson.

Dr Macpherson and Rotorua Lakes Council, through its lawyers, have reached an agreement to not release any details of the settlement, including costs. Your request is therefore declined under sections 7(2)(c) protect information which is subject to an obligation of confidence and 7(2)(g) maintain legal professional privilege.

We are obliged to advise that you may contact the Ombudsman at the address below if you have any concerns with the response provided by Council, by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 10 152

WELLINGTON 6143

Alternatively, you may email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz or use the online complaints form available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint.

Yours faithfully

Jean-Paul Gaston

Privacy Officer and

Group Manager, Strategy and Partnerships