Official Information Act 1982

19 Reason for refusal to be given

Where a request made in accordance with section 12 is refused, the department or interdepartmental venture or Minister of the Crown or organisation, shall,—

(a)

subject to section 10, give to the applicant—

(i)

the reason for its refusal; and

(ii)

if the applicant so requests, the grounds in support of that reason, unless the giving of those grounds would itself prejudice the interests protected by section 6 or section 7 or section 9 and (in the case of the interests protected by section 9) there is no countervailing public interest; and

(b)

give to the applicant information concerning the applicant’s right, by way of complaint under section 28(3) to an Ombudsman, to seek an investigation and review of the refusal.

Section 19: amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).

Section 19(a)(ii): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 4(2) of the Official Information Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 8).

Section 19(b): amended, on 1 April 1987, by section 16(2) of the Official Information Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 8).