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Message from the Chief Ombudsman - 19 March 2019

Issue date:

Last Friday’s attacks in Christchurch have shaken us all to the core.

To the people of Christchurch and to all those who have lost loved ones, my thoughts are with you. Kia kaha.

To the central and local government agencies who are working closely with those affected, thank you.

I recognise that responding to this unprecedented act of violence may impact on some agencies’ ability to meet Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) response deadlines. While I encourage you to try and meet those deadlines, I will be taking these extenuating circumstances into account when deciding how to deal with complaints about delays or extensions of the timeframes for responding to OIA or LGOIMA requests. I do ask that, wherever possible, agencies try and keep requesters informed with what is happening with their requests, including any unavoidable delays.

Remember that agencies and requesters can always approach this Office for advice by calling 0800 802 602.

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