Beginner’s guide to an OIA request

Making a request for information held by Toka Tu¯ Ake EQC is easy: you can either complete an information request form on our website, email info@eqc.govt.nz or make contact by phone.

You do not need legal language or even specifically state that a request is being made under the OIA. You don’t have to give the reasons why you want the information. Making an OIA request is free.

What information can people expect to be given?

The OIA explicitly states that ‘‘information shall be made available unless there is good reason for withholding it’’. As an agency subject to the OIA, this principle applies to Toka Tu¯ Ake EQC. The good reasons for withholding information are provided in section 9 of the OIA and include areas like privacy or commercially sensitive documents.

How long does it take?

We endeavour to reply to requests as soon as possible. The legal requirement for an OIA request is to respond within 20 working days, without undue delay or explain any decision to withhold certain parts as stated in the OIA. Where do you email?

You can email any request to info@eqc.govt. nz or fill out a request form on our website eqc.govt.nz

What information should you put in the request?

Provide as much information as you can to help our staff identify what you are after.

Can it be done via an online form? You can fill out a request form on our website eqc.govt.nz

Information supplied by EQC in response to questions from Stuff