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.
"Mr Nash withheld the information under the OIA on the grounds he was not communicating with them in his capacity as a Minister," Boshier said.
"I will start by carefully examining Mr Nash's original response to me including the material provided by his office at the time.
"I will consider whether or not the information in question was held in his capacity as a Minister, which is subject to the OIA, or as an electorate MP that is not subject to the Act, and whether there was a basis for withholding the information."
The email - sent in 2020 - shows Nash discussing Cabinet deliberations with two of his donors Troy Bowker and Greg Loveridge - a clear breach of Cabinet confidentiality.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins sacked Nash as a minister on Tuesday night after the email came to light, calling it "inexcusable".
On Wednesday, he revealed two senior staffers in the Prime Minister's office were also consulted on the email in 2021, but did not escalate the matter.