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.
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.
73 Resources Show all
When to contact the Ombudsman about natural disaster insurance complaints
FactsheetsToka Tu Ake EQC provides natural disaster damage insurance for residential buildings and some residential land.Our children in care complaint process – adult view
FactsheetsThis diagram shows how to make a complaint about Oranga Tamariki or one of its Care or Custody Providers.Our children in care complaint process – child view
FactsheetsThis diagram shows a simplified view of our complaints process, which is designed for children and young people in the Oranga Tamariki system.Getting ready - Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act implementation
FactsheetsThe Ombudsman is committed to being in a stronger position to consider complaints, investigate and monitor serious and significant issues. Read this factsheet to see how the Ombudsman has prepared for this role.Factsheet: Chief Ombudsman’s role examining and monitoring aged care facilities
FactsheetsNew Zealand has made an international commitment to make sure detained people are being treated in the right way and are living in a humane environment.Information for residents' point of contact: Upcoming inspection by the Chief Ombudsman’s team
FactsheetsA letter to residents of aged care facilities where the Chief Ombudsman is carrying out an inspection.OPCAT aged care monitoring programme
FactsheetsInvestigation framework: Administration of the Managed Isolation Allocation System by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – Hīkina Whakatutuki
FactsheetsThe Chief Ombudsman has started a broad investigation into the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – Hīkina Whakatutuki (MBIE)’s administration of the Managed Isolation Allocation System (MIAS).Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ)
FactsheetsThis fact sheet focuses on complaints about MBIE’s acts and decisions that affect people in relation to MIQ.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.Info sheet for detainees in MIQ facilities
FactsheetsThis information sheet is for people detained in a managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facility and sets out what is involved in an inspection by the Chief 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 deceasedOPCAT: 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.Upcoming OPCAT inspection by Chief Ombudsman’s team
FactsheetsInformation for residents of a facility that is being inspected, and their family and whanau.Expectations for OPCAT COVID-19 Inspections
FactsheetsPurpose Inspecting places of detention helps to ensure that people who are deprived of their liberty are treated humanely, and their rights are respected and protected.Orientation visits: First step in developing aged care inspections programme
FactsheetsOur first step in developing our new inspections programme is to familiarise ourselves with privately-run aged care facilities.Fact sheet: Aged care monitoring
FactsheetsThis fact sheet sets out why the Ombudsman is monitoring privately-run aged care facilities, and how the monitoring will differ from existing audits and reviews.Your OIA rights and responsibilities
SpeechesOn 13 July, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier addressed around 800 delegates at the New Zealand School Trustees Association’s annual conference. Here is his speech.Template letter 1: Acknowledgement letter
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this template letter to acknowledge receipt of a request for official information.Template letter 2: Letter seeking clarification or amendment of request
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter if you need to seek clarification or amendment of a request for official information.Template letter 3: Transfer letter to requester
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to inform the requester that you have had to transfer some or all of their request to another agency subject to the OIA or LGOIMA.Template letter 4: Transfer letter to other agency
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to transfer some or all of a request for official information to another agency subject to the OIA or LGOIMA.Template letter 5: Extension letter
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to notify the requester of an extension of the maximum timeframe for making and communicating a decision on their request for official information.Template letter 6: Letter communicating the decision on a request
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to make and communicate the decision on a request for official information.Template letter 7: Charging letter
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to tell the requester you intend to charge for the supply of official information.Template letter 8: Consultation with requester before relying on section 18(f) OIA / section 17(f) LGOIMA
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersAgencies must consider consulting the requester before refusing a request on the grounds of substantial collation or research. This letter provides a basis for written consultation with the requester.Template letter 9: Confirming outcome of consultation with requester
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersThis letter can be used to confirm the outcome of consultation with the requester.Template letter 10: Releasing the information in an alternative form
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersInformation can be released in an alternative form if meeting the requester's preference would impair the efficient administration of the agency. This letter can be used as a basis for conveying that decision.Template letter 11: Refusal letter under section 18(f) OIA / section 17(f) LGOIMA
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter when you need to refuse a request for official information because it would require substantial collation or research.Template letter 12: Refusal letter under section 18(d) OIA / section 17(d) LGOIMA—Information publicly available
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter when you need to refuse a request for official information because the information is publicly available.