UK DJ Fred again.. (Fred Gibson) performs at Waitangi Park in Wellington, on Friday 22 March, 2024. Photo: Supplied
A screenshot of a message between an Internal Affairs official and DJ Fred Again. Photo: Screenshot / Instagram
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says it was inappropriate for an official to tell popular British DJ Fred Again details of a New Zealander's passport application.
This comes after Fred Again - real name Fredrick Gibson - pleaded online for help getting a passport for Kiwi DJ Tessa Hills so she could accompany him on his Australian tour.
A screenshot on Instagram shows deputy chief executive Kāwai ki te Iwi - Service Delivery and Operations Maria Robertson privately messaged Fred Again saying the department was sorting it out.
Every citizen should get the same treatment by the passport office and an applicant's details should remain private, van Velden said.
Tessa Hills, known by her stage name MESSIE, has since had her passport application approved.
In a statement, Internal Affairs said the minister had made her expectations clear.
"The department agrees with the minister's statements, and we are working to meet her expectations."
