Christopher Luxon should explain how meetings between private companies and his office came to light only through court action, and whether other such meetings have gone unrecorded.

“Kiwis deserve to know why information from lobbyists to the Prime Minister’s Office only came to light through court action,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. 

"New Zealanders expect the Prime Minister and his office to act in the public interest. Kiwis will be wondering if the PM's office have been working behind closed doors with private corporations to rewrite the rules in their favour.

“Not releasing the existence of meetings and a briefing document between private companies and the Prime Minister’s staff raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and whose interests this Government is really serving.

“The Official Information Act exists so the public can see how decisions are being made. At this stage we don't have the full picture, but if documents were withheld to hide lobbying by companies for legislative changes, that strikes at the heart of open government.

“Kiwis deserve to know what was discussed, who was involved, and if promises were made behind closed doors,” Chris Hipkins said.