Jones keeps Fonterra texts secret
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones is refusing to make public messages backing his criticism of Fonterra chairman John Wilson.
Jones launched a blistering attack on the long-serving dairy co-operative boss last month.
Defending his remarks, Jones then claimed 365 people had sent messages supporting his stance. But the NZ First MP is now refusing to release those text messages.
‘‘The messages I was referring to were received predominantly on my private phone and not in my capacity as a minister. They therefore do not fall within the scope within the scope of the Official Information Act 1982,’’ Jones said in a letter to Stuff.
After further questions, Jones appeared to soften his stance.
‘‘We should not have declined your OIA [information request] on the grounds that the messages were received to his personal phone,’’ a spokeswoman said.
She said the request would now be declined ‘‘because of section 18 (f) – [of the Official Information Act] that the information requested cannot be made available without substantial collation or research’’.
Jones had claimed Fonterra was disconnected from the farming community and that Wilson should ‘‘take the next cab out of town’’. He made the comments on a ministerial visit to Waikato’s Fieldays event.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern later tried to distance the Government from the remarks, claiming he ‘‘did not make them as a minister’’.
University of Otago law professor Andrew Geddis said it didn’t matter that the messages were received on a private phone.
‘‘The question is, in what capacity did Jones receive them? If he did so with his minister hat on, then it is official information and also must be retained under the Public Records Act.’’
The Department of Internal Affairs provides guidance to ministers on compliance with the Public Records Act. A spokeswoman said: ‘‘If a public office, or a minister, uses text messaging or another instantaneous, nonsequential electronic communication mechanism to conduct official business, then these communications are considered records under the PRA and ... must be managed accordingly.’’