Public Records Act 2005

Recordkeeping requirements - Standards, inspection, reporting, and audit

30: Exemptions

You could also call this:

"When You Don't Have to Follow Recordkeeping Rules"

Illustration for Public Records Act 2005

You can get an exemption from following recordkeeping rules. The Chief Archivist decides who gets an exemption. They can set conditions for the exemption. You can appeal a decision about an exemption. The administrative head of your office can do this. They appeal under section 51. The Chief Archivist makes decisions about exemptions. They think about what terms and conditions are appropriate. You must follow these terms and conditions.

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This page was last updated on 28 October 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM345751.

Topics:

Government and voting > Government departments

29: Inspection powers, or

"The Chief Archivist can check public records to ensure they are stored correctly."

31: Direction to report to Chief Archivist, or

"The Chief Archivist can ask you to write a report on your records."

Part 2Recordkeeping requirements
Standards, inspection, reporting, and audit

30Exemptions

The Chief Archivist may, on such terms and conditions (if any) that the Chief Archivist thinks appropriate, exempt a public office or a local authority that has requested the exemption from compliance with a standard or instruction issued by the Chief Archivist.
The administrative head of the public office or local authority in respect of which a decision is taken under subsection (1) may appeal against the decision under section 51.