Privacy Act 2020 guidelines : Contents
Time limits relating to requests for personal information
We should respond to requests for information as soon as possible. However, a maximum of 20 working days is allowed to notify the requestor whether the request will be granted (in full or in part). The 20 working days takes effect from the date the request was received.
Extension of time limits
You can extend the 20 working day period if:
- the request is for a large quantity of information or a search through a large quantity of information is needed, and meeting the original time limit would reasonably interfere with the operations of the Ministry or
- if consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response to the request cannot reasonably be made within the time limit or
- processing the request raises issues of such complexity that more time is needed
The extension period must be reasonable under the circumstances and you must notify the requestor accordingly, including your reason for extending it, within 20 working days from the date the request was received.
If unexpected delays occur, talk to the requestor and explain what is happening and when you expect to be able to provide the information - good communication is part of good client service.
Legislation
- Responding to IPP 6 request section 44 Privacy Act 2020
- Extension of time limits section 48 Privacy Act 2020
