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See the latest news and announcements.

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  • Ombudsman releases access to government information survey

    Media release
    Issue date:

    The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says too many New Zealanders are still unaware of their rights to request information from Ministers, government agencies, and councils despite a growing thirst for information by the public.

  • New case note - early assistance in name change case

    News article
    Issue date:

    A new case note illustrates the impact that the Intake and Early Assistance Team can have. This team is the first point of contact for people seeking the Ombudsman’s help.

  • Latest OIA, LGOIMA data released

    Media release
    Issue date:

    Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has released the latest Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) data[1].

  • Well-managed complaints increase customer trust: Australian research

    News article
    Issue date:

    New Australian research has been released into how public organisations manage complaints.

  • Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2020

    News article
    Issue date:

    Our latest OQR is out.

    In this issue:

  • Chief Ombudsman welcomes Protected Disclosure Act review

    Media release
    Issue date:

    The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister of State Services Chris Hipkins that the Government intends to begin strengthening the Protected Disclosures Act to provide better protection for whistle blowers.

  • Integrity doesn’t stop at the border

    News article
    Issue date:
    A Memorandum of Understanding signed this week sets out how the New Zealand and Thai Ombudsmen will work together for good governance, integrity and human rights across the Asia and Pacific regions.
  • Chief Ombudsman releases new case note on chief executive remuneration

    News article
    Issue date:

    The Chief Ombudsman has published a new summary of his investigation into the State Services Commission (SSC)’s decision to withhold information about public service chief executive remuneration.

  • New complaints handling research announced

    News article
    Issue date:

    We’re helping with research by the University of Newcastle Australia into the benefits of good complaints handling in public sector organisations.

  • Hawke’s Bay prisoners’ conditions and treatment improving

    Media release
    Issue date:
    The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison has made significant progress towards improving prisoners’ safety but has been slow to improve conditions for remand and at risk prisoners.
  • Awareness of whistleblowing legislation alarmingly low

    News article
    Issue date:

    Public awareness of the Protected Disclosures Act (PDA) is very low, according to research undertaken on behalf of the Ombudsman.

  • New guides – Commercial withholding grounds and consulting third parties

    News article
    Issue date:

    The Chief Ombudsman has published a new tranche of guidance on the OIA. There are two new guides on the commercial and negotiations withholding grounds and one guide on how the OIA applies to information about public tender processes.

  • Chief Ombudsman welcomes new Oranga Tamariki role

    News article
    Issue date:

    Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is welcoming the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people within the state care and youth justice system.

  • Free and frank advice and the Official Information Act

    News article
    Issue date:
    How do we strike the right balance between enabling confidential consideration of free and frank advice, and enabling the public to access official information to support open government? Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier discusses in a new Victoria University Policy Quarterly article.
  • Ombudsman releases latest OIA data

    Media release
    Issue date:
    Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has released the latest data on OIA complaints received and completed by his Office.
  • PrivacyLive lunchtime forum

    Media release
    Issue date:
    A lively panel discussion on Right to Know Day, Thursday 28 September, will highlight New Zealanders' rights to access government information and personal information about themselves.
  • New Zealand and Australia unite for Right to Know

    Media release
    Issue date:
    Right to Know Day on 28 September highlights your right to access personal and official information.