A7.75 Requests for information by other Government agencies

See also Privacy Act 2020 part 7

Some Government agencies are entitled to request information under relevant legislation. For example, under schedule 6, clause 2, of the Social Security Act 2018, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) may, by notice in writing, require any person (including any person who is an officer or employee in the service of the Crown in a Government department or public body - other than as an officer of a court) to provide MSD or a specified employee of theirs with such information as MSD requires.

1. Section 17 of the Tax Administration Act 1994 gives similar power to officers of the Inland Revenue.
2. It is not a breach of privacy to supply this information as section 24 of the Privacy Act 2020 states:

   "24. Relationships between IPPs and other New Zealand law:— Nothing in IPP 6, 11, or 12 limits or affects a provision contained in any New Zealand enactment that authorises or requires personal information to made available."

   However, always ensure that the request is in writing and that it details the relevant statutory authority.

Effective 28/01/2021