Media queries

How to contact us

If you're a journalist and have a query, please check our media resources section in the first instance. If you still have questions, email us at media@kaingaora.govt.nz. This email is actively monitored from 9am - 5pm on working days. Outside of those hours we will only respond to urgent queries about breaking news events.

Media queries relating to emergency callouts to Kāinga Ora properties

To protect the privacy of our tenants, Kāinga Ora will not confirm to media whether it owns a property where a fire or alleged crime has been committed. Queries about such incidents should be directed to Fire and Emergency NZ or to the Police.

Media queries related to our tenants

We are only able to provide comment on situations relating to individual tenants if the tenant has signed a Consent to Disclose Information to Media [PDF, 119 KB] form giving us permission to share relevant information.

We will accept a scanned or photographed signed copy of the completed form if it is sent to us from the email address we have on file for the customer.

You can also send in a scanned or photographed signed copy of the completed form from another email address on the customer’s behalf.  But you must include a scanned or photograph copy of the customer’s identification, preferably with a photo and signature visible on the ID. 

The Official Information Act and media responses

Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities takes seriously its obligations under the Official Information Act 1982. That includes responding to requests for official information via media queries. 

Find out more about what is defined as Official Information(external link)

Please note that requests for comment or interview are not defined as official information and therefore are not covered by the Official Information Act.

Reasons for refusal

Kāinga Ora’s Media team help media with the information they need, within media timeframes wherever possible, without diverting requests unnecessarily through our specialist Official Information team, Government Services.

However, there will be times when the Media team is not able to provide the information requested, either because there is a legal reason for refusing the information, or because the request cannot be completed within media timeframes.

Where timeframes are an issue, the Media team will clarify with the requestor whether they wish to proceed with their request, and if so, refer that query to the Government Services team for a response.

The reasons why the Media team may have refused some or all the information you requested is given below. Telling you about these reasons ensures that Kāinga Ora is fulfilling its obligation under the Official Information Act to provide a reason for the refusal (section 19 of the Act refers).

If you are unsure about the reason, or would like a further explanation, please contact the Media team. You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review any response from the Media team.