Can information be withheld under section 9(2)(a) of the Official Information Act?

Under the Official Information Act (OIA), any person can ask any public sector agency for information it holds. The presumption is that the agency will release the information requested, unless there is a good reason to withhold it.

One of the reasons a public sector agency may withhold information requested under the OIA, is in order to protect the privacy of any individual (including deceased individuals) – section 9(2)(a) of the OIA.

If you have requested information under the OIA, and the agency has refused to give the information to you – relying on section 9(2)(a) or any other section of the OIA – this is something you will need to follow up with the Office of the Ombudsman. You can contact the Office of the Ombudsman on 0800 802 602, or through its website(external link).