Official Information Request
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Ōpōtiki District Council, like any other government body, processes requests for information. These official information requests are made under the following legislations:
These aim to balance issues of transparency and public interest with limits on the disclosure of personal information.
Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act Requests (LGOIMA)
These requests are governed by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and everything we do is considered public information. If you are not happy with the information provided under the LGOIMA, you can complain to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Privacy requests
These requests are governed by the Privacy Act 1993 the legislation means you have the right to request, view and correct any information we hold about you. If you are not happy with the outcome of your request, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
CCTV footage
CCTV footage is provided directly to Police and is not released to individual members of the public.
How long will it take?
Council must answer requests for information within 20 working days. There are some days that don't count as 'working days' including the regional anniversary, the end-of-year holiday period (20 December - 10 January) and other public holidays.
In most cases council can process requests at the time they're made. If council needs extra time to source and provide the requested information, the applicant must be advised in writing that an extension of time is required, the reason for this and the estimated period of the extension.
How do I make a request?
Your request must be specific. If your request is not specific enough, or if the information requested is held by another government organisation we will help you make your request in the proper way or to the appropriate organisation.
If your request is urgent you must provide a suitable reason for seeking urgency. We will try to process your request as soon as possible.
The easiest and quickest way to make your request is by using our online official information request form at the bottom of this page.
You can also apply by:
- Email to: info@odc.govt.nz
- In person: at our office at 108 St John Street, Opotiki
- By post to: Ōpōtiki District Council, PO Box 44, Ōpōtiki 3162
What is the cost?
If you are making a request for personal information held about yourself your request will not be charged.
If the information requested is extensive, we have ability to may charge for time spent processing the request under guidelines set down by the Ministry of Justice.
- Staff cost (after the first hour) $38 p/hr
- Photocopying will be charged at 20c per copy in excess of 20 copies.
- All other charges incurred shall be at actual and reasonable cost.
Rather than charge for a request, we would prefer to work with you to narrow down or refine the information you are looking for. We will get in touch to discuss this with you before we start work.
What if my request is refused?
If your request under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act is turned down and you don't think there was a good reason, you can make a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman.
If you're not happy with the information provided under the Privacy Act you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
