Scoop Media OIA Request (2) To NZSIS Re Legal Advice
On August 5, 2011 Scoop Media issued an Official Information Act request to the NZSIS direct Dr Warren Tucker seeking
legal advice received by the NZSIS regarding the release of security intelligence information/briefing notes to the
Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister.
Scoop's OIA letter and the NZSIS' response are published below.
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Selwyn Manning
Editor
Scoop Media Ltd
XXXX
Dr Warren Tucker
The Director
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service
XXXX
August 5 2011.
Re: Official Information Act request.
Dear Dr Tucker,
In the printed version of the Dominion Post newspaper of August 5 it was reported that the New Zealand Security
Intelligence Service had released briefing paper/notes between it and the Leader Of The Opposition relating to the
Israeli earthquake investigation urgently because the NZSIS had received legal advice to release the information
"forthwith".
I request a copy of any legal advice received in relation to Official Information Act requests for briefing papers
relating to the Israeli earthquake investigation.
I make this request under the urgency provisions in the OIA on the grounds that it is a matter of high public interest.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Regards,
Selwyn Manning,
BCS (Hons. first class), MCS (Hons. first division).
Editor.
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NZSIS Response
NEW ZEALAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE SERVICE
11 August 2011
Mr Selwyn Manning Editor
Scoop Media Ltd
XXXX
By email: selwyn@scoop.co.nz
Dear Mr Manning
Official Information Act Request
1. Thank you for your letter dated 5 August 2011 (received 9 August 2011) requesting a copy of any legal advice received
in relation to Official Information Act (OIA) requests for briefing papers relating to the Israeli earthquake
investigation.
2. I am declining your request on the grounds that to do so is necessary to maintain legal professional privilege.
3. If you are unhappy with my response you have the right to seek a review by the Office of the Ombudsmen under section
28 of the OIA.
Dr Warren Tucker
Director of Security