The Chief Archivist has formally directed the Prime Minister’s Office to account for missing records of its dealings with Fonterra and Z Energy, raising further questions about corporate lobbying and transparency at the heart of Government.
"Christopher Luxon needs to explain why records of his office’s dealings with big corporates are missing. He cannot expect New Zealanders to take his word for it while key records remain unaccounted for,” Labour justice spokesperson Camilla Belich said.
“This isn’t the Opposition asking questions. It’s the independent Chief Archivist using formal powers to demand answers from the Prime Minister’s own office.
This follows the Government changing the law to stop an active case against Fonterra and Z going through the courts. Documents written by Fonterra and Z relating to this law change were handed to a staff member in the Prime Minister’s office but were not included in official records.
“New Zealanders deserve to know how that happened, who was involved and what discussions took place behind closed doors.
“Christopher Luxon still has questions to answer about corporate lobbying, missing records and the links between proposals from big business and decisions made by his Government.
"He cannot hide behind process or brush this off as an administrative issue. The public has a right to know who is getting access to the Government and how that access translates into policy.
“Where are the records, what do they show, and who is going to be held accountable?
“New Zealanders deserve the full story, not more excuses,” Camilla Belich said.
