Former minister Stuart Nash. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The Chief Ombudsman has reopened his investigation into a complaint over former minister Stuart Nash's emails.
An email containing confidential Cabinet information, which Nash sent to two of his donors, was subject to an Official Information request by journalist in 2021.
But the email was never released, as Nash claimed it was sent it as an MP, not a minister.
The Ombudsman discontinued his original enquiry last May after a discussion with the complainant - who has now asked him to reopened it.
Peter Boshier said his investigation will start by examining Nash's response to him, including material provided by his office at the time.
He will consider whether the information was held in his capacity as a minister, which is subject to the OIA - or as an MP, which is not, and whether there was a basis for withholding the information.