How long does Auckland Council have to answer an official information request?

No more than 20 working days after the day the council receives the request, and sooner if reasonably practicable. Within that time it must decide whether to grant the request, how, and for what charge, if any, and send you notice of the decision. The 20 days are a maximum, not a target. (LGOIMA s 13(1), version as at 6 June 2026)

A working day is any weekday except Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, the Sovereign's birthday, Matariki, Labour Day and the local anniversary day (Auckland Anniversary Day in Auckland). If Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on a weekend, the following Monday is excluded. Every day from 20 December to 10 January is excluded. (LGOIMA s 2)

In practice, a request made in mid-December will usually not fall due until well into the new year, because the clock stops from 20 December to 10 January.

Yes, but only on two grounds: the request involves a large quantity of information and meeting the deadline would unreasonably interfere with operations, or necessary consultations mean a proper response cannot reasonably be made in time. The extension must be reasonable, and notice must be sent within the original 20 working days. (LGOIMA s 14(1)–(3))

The extension notice must state the length of the extension and the reasons, and tell you that you can complain to an Ombudsman about the extension. (LGOIMA s 14(4))

If the council does not hold the information, or it is more closely connected with another agency's functions, it must transfer the request promptly, and no later than 10 working days after receiving it, and tell you. The agency that receives the transfer then has 20 working days from the day it receives the request. (LGOIMA ss 12, 13(1))

It can. If you amend or clarify a request after it is received, the council may treat it as a new request, which restarts the 20 working days. That does not apply if the council asked you for the clarification and did not ask within 7 working days of receiving the original request. (LGOIMA s 13(7)–(8))

You can complain to an Ombudsman, in writing or orally (oral complaints must later be put in writing). Failing to decide within 20 working days, or within a notified extension, counts as a refusal the Ombudsman can investigate. Undue delay in releasing information is also treated as a refusal. (LGOIMA s 27(3)–(5))

We record the sent date, the agency and, once issued, the agency's reference. Due dates run from the agency's receipt (s 13). A request or complaint is described as lodged only when the page shows its date, its recipient and its reference. Until then we say sent.Which requests is City Builders tracking now?