Local Government Official Information request

Who can make a request?

Under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, anybody can make a request for information held by Southland District Council.

Requests for information

We are committed to openness and transparency and aim to make processes and information accessible on our website through reports and consultation.

If the information you are looking for is not readily available, you can submit a request for information.

The information that can be requested includes, but is not limited to, policies, procedures, decisions, rationale behind decisions, the decision-making process, images, maps, files, and records.

Timeframe for responses

We will acknowledge your request as soon as practical after receiving it. By law, we are required to respond within 20 working days.

If your request is approved the information will be provided to you as soon as practicable.

You will be informed as soon as possible if:

we cannot respond within 20 working days
we need more information, or clarification about your request
the information is held by another government organisation, in which case your request will be transferred.

Withholding or declining to provide information

We will provide information unless there is a good reason for not releasing it. We are entitled to consider not releasing information if it would:

prejudice the maintenance of law
endanger the safety of any person
breach the privacy of any person
disclose confidential or commercially sensitive information
cause serious offence to Tikanga Māori
disclose the location of Waahi Tapu
breach an obligation of confidence
prejudice public health or safety
prejudice Council’s right to legal professional privilege
prejudice the commercial activities of Council or negotiations being carried out.

If you disagree with a decision to withhold information, you have the right to contact the Office of the Ombudsman.

Costs associated with requests

There may be a charge to process a request for information. Charges are issued according to the government’s reasonable charging guidelines and we will discuss cost with you before any work is carried out. If you agree to the charges, some or all of the cost will need to be paid in advance.

Information on government guidelines around charging can be found on the Ministry of Justice website and from the Office of the Ombudsman.

How to make an official information request

While the quickest way to submit a request is online, using the link below, you can also do so in writing or by contacting customer services at any Southland District Council office. Ensure your request includes: