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.
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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.
125 Resources Show all
Expectations for conditions and treatment of tāngata whaikaha in health and disability places of detention (intellectual disability and community secure services)
OPCATThe Ombudsman is designated to examine and monitor the treatment of persons in health and disability places of detention, including tāngata whaikaha in intellectual disability and community secure services.Expectations for conditions and treatment of residents in health and disability places of detention (aged residential care)
OPCATThe Ombudsman is designated to examine and monitor the treatment of persons in health and disability places of detention, including residents in aged residential care.OIA and LGOIMA complaints received between 1 July and 31 December 2023
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) complaints on a six-monthly basis.Expectations for conditions and treatment of tāngata whai ora in health and disability places of detention
OPCATAs the Chief Ombudsman, I am designated to examine and monitor the treatment of persons detained in health and disability places of detention.[1] This includes mental health services where people are unable to leave at will.Chief Ombudsman's Annual Report 2022/2023
Annual reportsThis year I have intensified my efforts to reach out to diverse communities around New Zealand. I have also continued my work to help lift good practices across government. This balance between the public and government is an important part of my independent role as an Officer of Parliament, and the need for me to reach out to both has become even more evident in current times.Accessibility Strategy and Action Plan
Disability rights projectsListen to an audio recording of the overview Watch an the overview in New Zealand Sign LanguageOIA and LGOIMA complaints received between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Summary of the Ombudsman's submission to the United Nations Committee against Torture
OPCATKey themes for the Committee’s consideration In the period between the Committee against Torture’s last review of New Zealand in 2015 and the present, I have conducted over 500 visits to places of detention.Report on an announced targeted inspection of Arohata Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCATIntroduction Following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), as designated under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).Report on an announced targeted inspection of Christchurch Women’s Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCATIntroduction Following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), as designated under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).Expectations for conditions and treatment of people in custody of the Department of Corrections
OPCATThe Ombudsman is designated to examine and monitor the treatment of persons in prisons, otherwise in the custody of the Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections (Corrections), and residences established under section 114 of the Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) Act 2014.OIA and LGOIMA complaints received 1 July - 31 December 2022
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Chief Ombudsman's Annual Report 2021/2022
Annual reportsWatch the introduction in New Zealand Sign LanguageOIA 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.Inaugural Pūhara Mana Tangata report for 2020/2021
Annual reportsThe Chief Ombudsman’s Māori panel – Pūhara Mana Tangata – has published a report of its first two years in operation.Report on an unannounced follow up inspection of Te Whare Maiangiangi Unit, Tauranga Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 Primary tabs
OPCATThis report sets out my findings and recommendations concerning the conditions and treatment of people detained in Te Whare Maiangiangi Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (the Unit), which was inspected on 16 and 17 August 2021.OIA and LGOIMA complaints July - December 2021
Complaints dataThis data lists the Minister or agency involved, the nature of the complaint, and whether the complaint came from a private individual, the media, a political party or other type of organisation.Annual Report 2020/2021
Annual reportsThe global COVID-19 pandemic has continued to dominate our lives in the past year, creating new challenges for us 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 receivedFrequently asked questions about publication of OIA and LGOIMA complaints data
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.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]OIA and LGOIMA complaints received July - December 2020
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Annual Report 2019/20
Annual reportsCOVID-19. The pandemic which swept the world in 2020 is undoubtedly the defining event of the past year. It has further defined the role of Ombudsman.Confidentiality work sheet
Worksheets and other resourcesThis summary work sheet will help you to decide whether there is good reason to withhold ‘confidential information’ under section 9(2)(ba) of the OIA / 7(2)(c) of the LGOIMA, because release would be likely to (i) prejudice the supply of similar informaPrivacy worksheet
Worksheets and other resourcesThis summary work sheet will help you to decide whether there is good reason to withhold official information under section 9(2)(a) of the OIA / 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA, because it is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including deceasedOIA and LGOIMA complaints January - June 2020
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.OPCAT: Ombudsman and IPCA are visiting court facilities
OPCAT, FactsheetsOmbudsman and IPCA are visiting court facilities Update: August 2020Processing requests for names of public sector employees work sheet
Worksheets and other resourcesThe Ombudsman’s general position is that there is usually no basis for withholding staff names if all that would be revealed is what they did in their official capacity. However, withholding staff names may be justified in particular circumstances.OIA complaints received July – December 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA complaints received against Ministers and agencies on a six-monthly basis.OIA complaints completed July – December 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataComplaints completedLGOIMA complaints received July – December 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on LGOIMA complaints received against local agencies on a six-monthly basis.LGOIMA complaints completed July – December 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataComplaints completed