Council hit list refuted

An accusation that Ōtorohanga District Council assesses official information requests by their risk levels has been refuted by the council’s chief executive.

New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union issued a media release last week saying it was on the council’s ‘high risk’ list for Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) requests.

“We’d almost take this as a compliment—if it wasn’t so deeply concerning,” union investigations coordinator Rhys Hurley said.

While the council does apply an internal ‘risk lens’ the process is about ensuring transparency rather than avoiding it, CEO Tanya Winter said.

“We want to be clear – every LGOIMA request we receive is important and every requester has the same legal right to timely and accurate information. That principle does not change, regardless of who is asking the questions.”

Hurley said the council’s bureaucrats were red flagging anyone who looks too closely at their books.

“Local government exists to serve the public, so ratepayers have every right to see official information without wading through the spin doctor treatment.

“This isn’t just about Ōtorohanga. If this council is drawing up hit lists of who they think is dangerous for asking questions, how many others are doing the same?”

Winter said the council was committed to being open, responsive, and accessible.

“Requests that are complex, likely to be published widely, or relate to matters of significant public interest – including those from advocacy organisations such as the Taxpayers’ Union – are reviewed at a higher level of our organisation.

“This helps ensure the information we provide is comprehensive, accurate, and clearly presented in context,” she said.

“To suggest we treat some requests as less important would be a misunderstanding. Our goal is to ensure all responses meet the same high standard and requests that are either more complex or more likely to attract public attention receive the careful and considered oversight they deserve.”

Winter applauded the union’s efforts.

“We respect the role of the Taxpayers’ Union in holding public entities accountable.

“Their work shines a light on local government decision-making — and that’s a good thing. It’s one of the ways transparency and public trust are strengthened.”