Official Information Request

Information relating to our Council can be found by using the search function at the top of the page, or call us on 07 868 0200 if you need help to find something specific.

You can request official information held by our Council, Council Controlled Organisations or its contractors. Official information requests are governed by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).

If you are not happy with our response, you can contact the Office of the Ombudsman.

Official Information and Privacy Requests

The two types of information requests we can help you with are:

  1. Official Information held by our Council, and
  2. Personal Information requests.

How to make an official information and privacy request

Make a request online

The easiest way to make an official request for information is to use our online form below. 

Talk to us

Please ensure you have comprehensive details about the information you require so we can assist you quickly. 

 

Write to us

Street Address

The Chief Executive
Thames-Coromandel District Council
515 Mackay Street
Thames
3580

Postal

Private Bag 1001, Thames 3540, New Zealand

Please ensure you have comprehensive details about the information you require so we can assist you quickly. 

   

 

Official Information FAQ

 

How long does this process take?

We will acknowledge your request and you will receive our decision on whether we can provide you with the requested information within 20 working days, unless this timeframe is extended under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LOGOIMA).

If your request is complex, involves a large amount of research and collation, or requires us to consult with other parties, it may take additional time to collate our response. If we need to do this, we will:

  • let you know within the original 20 days;
  • explain why additional time is required;
  • tell you how much extra time is required and whether there will be a charge for covering our costs to collate the requested information;
  • if the information you require is held by another organisation covered by LGOIMA, we may transfer your request to that agency. If we transfer your request, we will let you know within 10 working days of receiving your request.

What if I have an urgent request?

You can ask us to treat your request as urgent. If you do, you need to provide a reason and we will advise on what is possible.

When can information be withheld?

We may withhold or refuse to provide information for reasons specified in sections 6, 7 and 17 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

If we withhold or refuse to give information, we will explain the reasons why.

The most common reasons include to:

  • protect people's privacy
  • maintain legal privilege
  • enable our Council to carry on its commercial activities

How much will I be charged?

Generally, requests for official information are free of charge. However, there are times when we will charge for official information provided to you; for example if there is substantial manual collation of information required. If charges apply, we will advise you of any costs before processing your information request. You can then decide to proceed, withdraw or refine your request. We might ask for some or all of the cost to be paid in advance.

We have set out our charging guidelines and rates below:

Official Information request costs
First hour Free
Photocopying first 20 pages Free
Photocopying additional pages 20 cents per additional page
Over one hour $38 for each additional half hour

  

 

Personal Information Requests FAQ

You can make a privacy request for access to or correction of personal information we hold about you. If you are not happy with our response, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. See www.privacy.org.nz for further details.

How long will this process take?

We will provide you with a decision about your personal information request within 20 working days

When can information be withheld?

Personal Information may be withheld for reasons specified in the Privacy Act 2020. If information is withheld, we will explain the reasons why.

How much will I be charged?

This service has no charge. The spirit of the Privacy Act 2020 is to give people open access to their own information.