That seven days of interaction with Hipkins' office is in contrast to the Minister's reaction when the news broke. The communication from the Minister's office to police appeared more like consultation as it led to Hipkins' office writing back to police with "free and frank advice". That input led to police headquarters writing again to Hipkins' office seven days after it had originally provided the OIA material with comments again withheld to prevent "free and frank advice". In response, the Minister's office wrote back saying there was "nothing further from the office on this one". She said the office "provided all feedback" on August 31 and "did not seek or have any further input" from that point.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 11, 2022 21:26 UTC