Make a complaint
The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints about New Zealand government agencies, councils, and other public organisations. Our services are free, and we are independent of the organisations we investigate.
What we can investigate
We can investigate
- Government departments and ministries
- State-owned enterprises and Crown entities
- City, district and regional councils
- Universities, polytechnics and wānanga
- School boards, kura and charter schools
- New Zealand Police — for official information requests only
- Government Ministers — for official information requests only
- Oranga Tamariki care or custody providers
We cannot investigate
- Private individuals or companies
- Private training establishments
- Lawyers
- Members of Parliament
- Decisions made by a full council
- Decisions made by a court or tribunal
- Police or Minister conduct (unless about an official information request)
We also cannot provide legal advice, award compensation, or act as your advocate.
What do you need help with?
Complain about an action or decision by an agency
A public organisation did something you think was wrong or unfair.
Complain about an official information request
You asked for official information and are unhappy with the response.
Get help with serious wrongdoing in your workplace
You want general advice about protected disclosures, or you want to blow the whistle on serious wrongdoing in your workplace.
Deaf or disabled?
If you have access needs related to a disability, we can provide supports to make our process more accessible for you.