Official Information Request - 7 August 2019

Sent: Tuesday, 20 August 2019 5:20 PM

Subject: LGOIMA request - correspondence/communication between RLC and Beef and Lamb NZ

I refer to your email of 7 August 2019 in which you request "A copy of all correspondence or communication between Rotorua Lakes Council (staff, contractors, experts or councillors) and Beef and Lamb NZ (staff, contractors, experts or board members), including all emails, letters, file notes, meeting minutes and any other communication or document recording such communication, for the period from 1 February 2016 to 8 August 2019."

Council records show that Corina Jordan (Beef and Lamb) joined a workshop on 20 September 2017 via skype. RLC has no record of communication with her regarding the meeting (it was arranged by consultants) and there are no comments recorded by her in the minutes or staff notes.

Council has decided to withhold some information under section 7 of LGOIMA, namely the minutes of this workshop. The reasons for withholding this information is to:

(c) Maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to members or officers or employees of Council;

(d) Maintain legal professional privilege;

(e) Enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations; and

(f) Prevent the disclosure or use of official information for improper gain or improper advantage.

Council has no other record of any correspondence or communication between Rotorua Lakes Council and Beef and Lamb NZ.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint/complaining-about-access-to-official-information-551307291224432 or freephone 0800 802 602.

Regards