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.
17 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.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.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.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.Regulatory policy design during COVID-19 pandemic
Good administrationThis guidance is intended to assist government agencies in designing and implementing robust, fair, and fit-for-purpose, regulatory policies[1] that enable the fair administration of government policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.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]OPCAT: Ombudsman and IPCA are visiting court facilities
OPCAT, FactsheetsOmbudsman and IPCA are visiting court facilities Update: August 2020Oranga Tamariki newborn removal investigation Terms of Reference
InvestigationsThis document updates the terms of reference for the Chief Ombudsman’s self-initiated investigation into the role of Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children in connection with the removal of newborns.Terms of reference for intellectual disability systemic investigations
Projects, reference & data, InvestigationsThe Systemic Improvement Investigations (SII) team undertakes self-initiated investigations (under the Ombudsmen Act 1975) into systemic issues where the Chief Ombudsman thinks their intervention has the potential to improve public sector administrationEffective complaint handling
Good administrationThis guide sets out key information for agencies about developing and operating an effective complaints process. It also provides information about the Ombudsman’s role and a checklist for agencies to follow.Good decision making
Good administrationThis guide sets out key information about good decision making by agencies, including the role of a decision maker, who has the power to make a decision, how to make good decisions, how to give a statement of reasons and good record-keeping.Managing unreasonable complainant conduct
Good administrationThis manual is designed to help agencies and their staff take a systematic and consistent approach to managing their interactions with complainants. It provides a series of suggestions and strategies to assist all staff members – not just frontline staff – to deal with unreasonable complainant conduct.Good complaints handling by school boards
Good administrationThis guide sets out the key ‘need to know’ information about good complaints handling by school boards. It also explains the Ombudsman’s role in relation to complaints about the administrative conduct of schools.