Officiail Information Request - Court Action and Settlement

I refer to your email of 25 November 2016 requesting copies of all correspondence between Rotorua Lakes Council and its lawyers, and copies of all Rotorua Lakes Council correspondence with Reynold Macpherson relating to the court action and settlement of Dr Macpherson’s petition to court.

Dr Macpherson and Rotorua Lakes Council, though its lawyers, have reached an agreement to not release any details of this case, including settlement 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.

Regards

Jean-Paul Gaston Privacy Officer and Group Manager, Strategy and Partnerships
P: 07 351 8302 | M: 0276554415
E: Jean-Paul.Gaston@rotorualc.nz | W: rotorualakescouncil.nz
A: 1061 Haupapa St, Private Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand