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See the latest news and announcements.

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  • Chief Ombudsman supports call for equal access to digital information

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    Issue date:

    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.

  • It’s your Right to Know

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    Issue date:

    Today is International Right to Know Day.

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

  • Final opinion on Taihape Area School’s complaint over its farm

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    Issue date:

    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.

  • New case note—information about COVID-19 clusters

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    Issue date:

    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.

  • New guidance—the OIA’s confidentiality withholding ground

    News article
    Issue date:

    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.

  • New privacy guide and case notes

    News article
    Issue date:

    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.

  • 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.

  • Well-managed complaints increase customer trust: Australian research

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    Issue date:

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

  • Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2020

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    Issue date:

    Our latest OQR is out.

    In this issue:

  • OPCAT aged care inspections programme information published

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    Issue date:

    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.

  • 2018/2019 Annual Report released

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    Issue date:

    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.

  • Follow up inspection finds improvements at Otago Corrections Facility

    News article
    Issue date:
    The Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier has released his report of a follow up inspection of Otago Corrections Facility (OCF).
  • New guide – The OIA and parliamentary privilege

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    Issue date:

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

  • New complaints handling research announced

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    Issue date:

    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 LGOIMA, including ‘working day’ definition

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    Issue date:

    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.

  • Message from the Chief Ombudsman - 19 March 2019

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    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.

  • Free and frank advice and the Official Information Act

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    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.