Statement from the Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier

Today Parliament recommended that the Governor-General appoint John Allen as the new Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand. 

I have offered Mr Allen my congratulations and have wished him the very best for the years ahead. I am sure he will make an excellent contribution to promoting fairness for the people of New Zealand in their dealings with public sector agencies.

It has been my privilege to serve as the Chief Ombudsman since 2015 and, at the request of Parliament, to continue to perform the role since my resignation was required in March last year. The Chief Ombudsman is a key constitutional role in our country and one that provides a vital check within our democratic system.

I will have more to say about my time in office closer to the end of my term in March, but I do want to say, as we start a new year, that the Office of the Ombudsman comprises a passionate, dedicated and driven team that I have been proud to lead.  We will be as busy and focused as ever on dealing with the many complaints we receive and on commenting, as we must, where we detect maladministration, unlawfulness or unacceptable delays in the supply of official information.