Resources and publications
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Search guides, case notes, opinions, reports and other information. Resources and publications can also be searched by date and other options.
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More information about the resource categories on this page
Guides
Commonly used guides include:
- The OIA for Ministers and agencies
- The LGOIMA for local government agencies
- Making official information requests: a guide for requesters
Detailed guidance on the official information legislation and aspects of good administrative practice.
We also have guidance on disability rights and protected disclosures.
Case notes and opinions
Case notes are a short case summary, often demonstrating an aspect of a case.
An Ombudsman's Opinion is published where there is public interest in showing the full details of a case.
Reports
Reports include OPCAT, disability rights, official information practice and systemic investigation.
Outreach
Contains our media releases, newsletters, pamphlets, speeches and fact sheets. Fact sheets are published in multiple language and accessible formats.
Corporate documents
This includes our annual reports and strategic intentions.
Projects, reference and data
This includes our official information complaints data, updates on investigations and other projects, and submissions by the Ombudsman.
View all projects, reference and data
Template letters and work sheets
These template letters and work sheets can be used by agencies to help respond to official information requests.
1340 Resources Show all
OIA and LGOIMA complaints January - June 2021
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis. Complaints receivedInformation for residents' point of contact: Upcoming inspection by the Chief Ombudsman’s team
FactsheetsIntroduction The Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, would like to let you know that some of his staff will soon be at this facility to carry out one of his inspections.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2021
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Ombudsman Quarterly Review (OQR) for Winter 2021 is out. In this edition:Chief Ombudsman reaffirms his OPCAT Statement of Principles for places of detention during COVID-19 ‘lock down’
GuidesAs Aotearoa New Zealand is experiencing another nationwide Alert Level 4 lockdown, the Chief Ombudsman reaffirms his statement of principles, issued last year.Chief Ombudsman’s opinion under the Ombudsmen Act - Taihape Area School
OpinionsChief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has published a final opinion recommending an apology from the Ministry of Education over its handling of the disposal of a farm Taihape Area School used for agricultural education.FAQs about official information requests during COVID-19
Official informationThis guide answers questions from agencies and requesters about dealing with official information requests during the COVID-19 emergency. It:Thematic report on inspections of Managed Isolation and Quarantine Facilities under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary This report outlines my key observations and recommendations in relation to six MIQ Facilities inspected between October and December 2020.Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ)
FactsheetsThis fact sheet focuses on complaints about MBIE’s acts and decisions that affect people in relation to MIQ.Report on an unannounced inspection of Te Awhina, Whanganui Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary Background Ombudsmen are designated one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of tāngReport on an unannounced inspection of Stanford House, Whanganui Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive summary Background Ombudsmen are designated one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of clieOversight: An investigation into the Ministry of Health’s stewardship of hospital-level secure services for people with an intellectual disability
Systemic investigationsExecutive summary In late 2018, I became increasingly concerned about a continuing shortage of specialised hospital accommodation for people with an intellectual disability requiring secure care and rehabilitation, and about the conditions inFrequently asked questions about publication of OIA and LGOIMA complaints
Complaints dataBackground The publication of official information complaints data is driven by the Chief Ombudsman’s desire to increase transparency around the operation of the official information legislation.Report on inspections of aged care facilities under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsThis thematic report outlines my key findings, suggestions, and recommendations in relation to OPCAT COVID-19 inspections of six secure aged care Facilities (the Facilities) between 27 May and 18 June 2020 (during Alert Levels 2 and 1).Legal framework for Chief Ombudsman’s inspections of health & disability facilities
FactsheetsInspecting places of detention helps to ensure that people who are deprived of their liberty are treated humanely, and their rights are protected and restored.Expectations for conditions and treatment of residents in health and disability places of detention – aged care
OPCAT projectsThe Chief Ombudsman has developed these draft ‘Expectations for the conditions and treatment of residents in health and disability facilities- aged care’ (‘Expectations – aged care’) and invites your feedback on them.Checklist – Am I ready to make a protected disclosure?
Protected Disclosures ActThis checklist will assist if you are considering making a protected disclosure about serious wrongdoing in your workplace, or wondering whether you need more information and guidance.Checklist: Protecting whistleblower confidentiality
Protected Disclosures ActThis checklist will assist if you or your organisation has received a protected disclosure about serious wrongdoing in your workplace.Decisions to decline MIQ medical needs exemptions were not unreasonable
Case notesThe Chief Ombudsman investigated two complaints in late 2020 about the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s decisions to decline the complainants’ requests for medical needs exemptions from Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) requirementRequest for Ministry of Health Legal Opinion
Case notesSection 9(2)(h) applied to a Health Legal opinion relied on by Health and Disability Ethics Committee when making its decision to decline a research study application—privilege held by the Crown—no implied waiver although finely balanced—strong publUnreasonable decisions by INZ on Post-Study work visa applications
Case notesImmigration New Zealand applied an interpretation of immigration instructions not reflected in guidance to applicants - Post-Study work visa – open was granted for one year instead of three – INZ relied on an amendment circular to preclude eligibiliInternational Development and Engagement Strategy (July 2020 – June 2023)
Strategic intentionsThe International Development and Engagement Strategy has been developed to guide the international work of the Ombudsman from July 2020 to June 2023.Report on an unannounced inspection of Tiaho Mai Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Middlemore Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary Background Ombudsmen are designated as one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of sReport on an unannounced inspection of Te Whare Ahuru Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Hutt Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary Background Ombudsmen are designated as one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of cReport on an unannounced inspection of STAR 1 (Services for Treatment, Assessment & Rehabilitation), Palmerston North Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary Background Ombudsmen are designated one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of patiReport on an announced follow up inspection of Whanganui Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive summary Background Ombudsmen are designated one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the general conditions and treatmenReport on an unannounced follow up inspection of Christchurch Men’s Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive summary Background Ombudsmen are designated one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the general conditions and treatmenWaka Tangata: APOR E-news (June 2021)
Waka TangataOmbudsman Quarterly Review Autumn 2021
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The OQR for Autumn 2021 is out. In this issue:Investigation Terms of Reference: Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections – actions and/or omissions to make sustained and significant improvement to prisoner welfare and rehabilitation
InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman has commenced a self-initiated investigation into Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections.[1]Report on an announced inspection of Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsForeword The following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).Board of Trustees decision to expel student on basis of gross misconduct not justified
Case notesStudent expelled after isolated incident – Ombudsman found that the family were not given the full opportunity to respond to the allegations, and the Board’s minutes did not show how the decision was arrived at – Ombudsman not convinced that the incDelay in responding to request for certain briefings
Case notesFailure by the Minister for Courts to make and communicate his decision on a request for official information within extended time limit— contrary to law