Types of information requests
If the information you are interested in is not available on this website or from our staff, then there are two types of information requests that we can help you with:
- Official Information requests – you can request official information held by the Council, its Council Controlled Organisations and its Contractors
- Privacy Act requests – you can request to see any personal information we hold about you.
These requests for information are governed by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) and the Privacy Act 2020.
The Council aims to be transparent and accountable in its decision making. As such, we will endeavour to be as open as possible when providing responses to these requests. If you are not satisfied with our response, you are able to have our decisions reviewed by the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to LGOIMA requests or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in relation to privacy requests.
How to make a request
When requesting information you must include a contact option (e.g. email or phone number) and specific details of the information you want.
You can also ask to receive the information in a specific way – let us know your preferred method when you make your request.
You can make a request:
Timeframe
We will acknowledge your request within three business days. We will reach a decision on your information request as soon as possible but no later than 20 working days after receiving it.
We will also let you know as soon as possible if we need:
- to extend the deadline on your request
- more information in order to respond to your request
- to transfer your request as the information is held by another government organisation.
You can ask us to treat your request as urgent – if this is the case you must provide the reasoning for this when you make the request.
Cost
Generally, requests for information are free of charge.
However, there are times when we can charge for official information. If there is a good reason (e.g. substantial manual collation by officers is required) there is going to be an associated cost we will contact you before we move forward with the request. You will then be able to decide if you would like to proceed with, refine or withdraw your request.
Withholding information
When responding to your request we may withhold or refuse to give you some information. The reasons for this are specified in:
If we withhold or refuse to give information, we will explain the reason why when responding to you.
To remove personal details from the Rating Information Database, go to Property search.
Responses to information requests
See responses to recent information requests that are of broader public interest.
Contact us
If you have further questions about our process, need clarification or want new or additional information, email assurance@wcc.govt.nz.