Resources and publications
Ngā rauemi me ngā tānga
Search guides, case notes, opinions, reports and other information. Resources and publications can also be searched by date and other options.
Use the search bar to make your search. Then use the filters to narrow down the results by resource type or topic.
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.
1412 Resources Show all
Overseas borrower liable for student loan debt when IR unable to contact them
Case notesSummary Complaint about the administration of a student loan of an overseas borrower – Inland Revenue Department (IR) unable to notify borrower about interest and penalties on student loan – Ombudsman found that IR did not act unreasonably – lChief Ombudsman's Strategic Intentions - 2022 to 2027
Strategic intentionsAs Aotearoa New Zealand’s Ombudsman, I give effect to a number of key democratic and human rights measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of people and promoting government accountability and transparency.Chief Ombudsman's Annual Report 2021/2022
Annual reportsThe past year has been an extremely busy one. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to create new challenges and Aotearoa New Zealand is grappling with a continually shifting environment - socially and economically.Chief Ombudsman’s opinion under the Ombudsmen Act - Malachi Subecz
OpinionsNote: Please be aware this report contains distressing content.OIA compliance and practice in Accident Compensation Corporation
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in New Zealand Customs Service 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Justice 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Department of Corrections 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Te Kawa Mataaho 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Transport 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice at Waka Kotahi 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Education 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Health 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in New Zealand Defence Force 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Social Development 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.Ready or not? OIA compliance and practice in 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman’s investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies uncovers significant gaps in the way agencies are responding to journalists, training staff and keeping records.Omission by school board to consider behavioural support prior to exclusion of student
Case notesSummary In term three, a School Board (the Board) excluded a student for ‘continual disobedience’ under the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act).[1] The Chief Ombudsman found the Board failed to properly examiInadequate record-keeping and unreasonable decisions by school board: Student discipline
Case notesBackground Investigation A (ref: 533782) concerned the decision of Bethlehem College School Board (the Board) to exclude[1] a student on the basis of ‘gross misconduct’ following the decision of the principal to suspend the stuOIA and LGOIMA complaints received 1 Jan - 30 June 2022
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Report on an announced inspection of Pohutukawa Forensic Intellectual Disability Unit, Mason Clinic, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary 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 care recipientsOmbudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2022
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Winter 2022 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now. It includes:He rauemi tātaki ea – A resource for offering an effective apology
GuidesPeople have the right to expect a high standard of administration by central and local government agencies. They expect agencies to act legally, fairly, and in a timely manner, and to be treated with respect in a way that is culturally appropriate.Report on an unannounced inspection of Otago Corrections Facility under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive summary The following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism, as designated under Part 2 of the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).Guidance on when to engage the Ombudsman in law reform proposals
GuidesBackground The Ombudsman engages and comments on law reform to make sure their views are considered on proposals relating to their jurisdiction.Disability Rights: How is New Zealand doing?
Disability rightsChecklist: 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.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.Information 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’s approach to delay complaints
GuidesIntroduction The Chief Ombudsman has decided to make changes to his handling of delay complaints alleging breaches by public sector agencies of the maximum statutory timeframe obligations set out in the Official Information Act (OIA) and the LMaking a protected disclosure - a guide to "blowing the whistle"
Protected Disclosures ActIf you’re concerned about serious wrongdoing in or by your organisation, the Ombudsman is able to provide information and guidance.Protected disclosures – guidance on internal policies and procedures
Guides, Protected Disclosures ActIf your organisation is looking to encourage an open reporting culture, or is currently grappling with how to handle a protected disclosure by one of your employees about serious wrongdoing in your workplace, the Ombudsman can provide guidance.