Prime Minister John Key has admitted the Government sometimes delays releasing official information right up to the deadline if it is in its best interest to do so, Radio New Zealand reports.
Key's admission comes just days after the release of official advice on child poverty which Radio New Zealand requested 17 months ago.
Key has always maintained that when it comes to requests for official information, his ministers act within the law.
But he has now revealed a strategy which appears at odds with that.
“Sometimes we wait the 20 days because, in the end, Government might take the view that's in our best interest to do that,” he said.
Legally, ministers and government departments must respond to a request as soon as reasonably possible and no later than 20 working days.
Chief Ombudsman Dame Beverley Wakem said they were not allowed to delay right up to that 20-day deadline for political purposes.