If you want information that isn’t available on our website or from our staff, then you can request it from the Council.
Types of information requests
There are two types of information requests we can help with:
- Official information requests (referred to as LGOIMA requests)
- Privacy requests
Official information requests (LGOIMA request)
You can request official information held by us, our council-controlled organisations and contractors.
These requests for information are governed by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).
Official information includes:
- Documents, reports, memos, letters, notes, advice, emails and drafts.
- Materials like tape recordings, videos or computer records.
- Internal rules, principles, policies or guidelines for decision-making.
- Reasons for decisions made about you.
- Information that is known but not written down.
You can find out more about LGOIMA requests in our Local Government Official Information Requests Policy (137kb pdf).
Privacy requests
You can request personal information we hold about you.
Privacy requests are governed by the Privacy Act 2020.
If you are interested in how we collect, use and share personal information, as well our obligations and as your rights under the Privacy Act 2020, you can read our Privacy Statement.
Read our Privacy Statement
How to make an information request
What should I include?
When you make a request, include:
- your name,
- a contact option - email address or phone number,
- specific details of the information you want.
A good request helps us find information, so:
- tell us what you are looking for in clear, plain language,
- request factual information or figures,
- explain the context or reasons why you want the information.
Include as many specific details as possible, for example:
- reference numbers,
- names of staff or teams you have been dealing with,
- locations or addresses,
- specific timeframes, including dates and times if possible,
- key words.
You can also ask to receive the information in a specific way - let us know your preferred method when you make your request.
Where do I send it?
You can make a request by:
When will I hear back?
When we receive your request, we will acknowledge it within two working 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 may come back to you to get more information or clarify your request. This usually happens within seven working days.
We may transfer your request to another government organisation if the information you want is held by them. We will let you know within 10 working days if your request is transferred.
We may extend the timeframe for responding if your request involves a large amount of information or requires us to consult with other parties. We will let you know within 20 working days why and how much additional time is needed.
You can ask us to treat your request as urgent. If this is the case, you need to give the reasons when you make your request.
How much will it cost?
Requests for official information are usually free, but there are times when we may need to charge for official information. We tend to charge if:
- answering a request requires substantial collation or research
- you have made multiple recent requests about a common topic.
If we decide to charge, we will tell you the cost of your request before we begin collating it. You can then decide if you want to proceed, refine or withdraw your request.
For details on how and when we might charge for an information request refer to our Local Government Official Information Requests Charging Policy (122kb pdf).
To find out our actual fees for official information requests have a look at our User Fees and Charges.
Official Information Requests Fees and Charges
We do not charge for privacy requests.
Withholding information
We may withhold or refuse to give you some information. The main reasons for this include to:
- protect people's privacy,
- protect confidential or commercially sensitive information,
- allow council to carry out its commercial activities,
- maintain legal privilege.
The specific reasons we may rely on to withhold or refuse to give information can be found in sections 6, 7 and 17 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and 27 to 29 of the Privacy Act 2020.
Reviewing decisions
We aim to be transparent and accountable in our decision making. We try to be as open as possible when providing responses to information requests.
Responses to information requests
You can see recent responses to information requests that may be of wider public interest.
View LGOIMA responses
Media enquiries
Please email communications@tauranga.govt.nz with your media enquiry.
If you contact us outside of office hours (Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm) and on public holidays, we will respond to your email on the next business day.
If this is regarding an emergency, please call our Duty Communications Officer on 07 577 7108.