News

Australian and New Zealand Information Commissioners and Ombudsmen today highlight the importance of government agencies developing robust digital systems that strengthen the community’s access to information.

Today is International Right to Know Day.

As New Zealand’s Chief Ombudsman, it is one of the most significant dates in my calendar.

Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has recommended the Ministry of Education apologise to the Taihape Area School community and board of trustees over its handling of a farm that was bought by the former Taihape College and local community.

The Chief Ombudsman has published a case note on a complaint about a request for information about the names of COVID-19 clusters linked to cases in the Bay of Plenty District.

The Chief Ombudsman has published a new guide today on the OIA’s confidentiality withholding ground.

The OIA says that information must be made available unless there is a good reason not to.

The Chief Ombudsman has published a new guide today on the OIA’s privacy withholding ground.

The OIA says that information must be made available unless there is a good reason not to.

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.

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

Our latest OQR is out.

In this issue:

One of the Chief Ombudsman’s roles is to check on the treatment and conditions of people held in secure facilities – places people can’t leave even if they want to.

Our annual report is now online and it shows what we’ve been doing over the past year to improve how we handle your complaints and protect your rights to request information.

The Chief Ombudsman has published a new guide in response to questions about the impact of the Parliamentary Privilege Act (PPA) on the OIA.

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

Changes to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) which came into effect on 21 March 2019 will affect ‘working day’ calculations for LGOIMA.

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.