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.
21 Resources Show all
Report on an unannounced inspection of Tongariro Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsThe following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).OIA complaints received January - June 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 January - June 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataComplaints completedLGOIMA complaints received January - June 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 January - June 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataComplaints completedReport on an unannounced inspection of Northland Regional Corrections Facility - August 2019
Reports, OPCAT reportsThe Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says the Northland Regional Corrections Facility is persisting with policies that are preventing it from achieving its full potential.Report on an unannounced follow up inspection of Invercargill Prison – July 2019
Reports, OPCAT reportsInvercargill Prison is now cleaner, tidier and in better repair than it was three years ago, and general living conditions for most prisoners have improved. This is the report of the follow up inspection conducted from 8 to 12 April 2019.Oranga 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.Submission of the Ombudsman - OIA consultation July 2019
Projects, reference & data, SubmissionsIn March, the Ministry of Justice announced a public consultation on matters relating to the Official Information Act.Report on an unannounced follow up inspection of Otago Corrections Facility - June 2019
OPCAT reportsFrom 28 January to 1 February 2019 my Inspectors (whom I have authorised to carry out visits of places of detention under COTA) visited Otago Corrections Facility (the Prison) to follow up on recommendations made in a previous OPCAT report (May 2016).Report on an unannounced follow up inspection of Hawke's Bay Regional Prison - 30 April 2019
OPCAT reportsMr Boshier has published his findings after an unannounced inspection of the prison in November last year. The report is a follow up to an inspection conducted in December 2016.OIA complaints completed July - December 2018
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA complaints received against Ministers and agencies on a six-monthly basis.OIA complaints received July - December 2018
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA complaints received against Ministers and agencies on a six-monthly basis.Report on an announced inspection of Auckland South Corrections Facility - 20 February 2019
OPCAT reportsThe Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, has released his first inspection report into the treatment and conditions of prisoners at Auckland South Corrections Facility (also known as Kohuora).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 administrationPlan for the next Making Disability Rights Real report
Projects, reference & data, Disability rights projectsIn mid- to late 2019, New Zealand’s compliance with the United Nations Disability Convention will be reviewed. Find out more about this and how to make a submission.OPCAT Annual Report 2013/2014
OPCAT reportsThis is the seventh annual report of New Zealand’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), a monitoring mechanism established under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or PunishmentMaking disability rights real 2012/2013
Reports, Disability rights reportsThis is the second report of the Independent Monitoring Mechanism of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Available in full and summary form.Submission of the Ombudsman - Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill
SubmissionsThis submission relates to the information management requirements of clause 275B of the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill.Submission of the Ombudsman - Environmental Reporting Bill
SubmissionsIt is in the interests of all New Zealanders to have comprehensive and reliable information available regularly on environmental issues that affect all of us. I do however have significant concerns with one aspect of the bill, namely clause 16, under which the Secretary for the Environment (MFE) and the Government Statistician can veto release of information to be used in an environmental report.Submission of the Ombudsmen - the Public's Right to Know
SubmissionsThe Ombudsman's submission on the Law Commission's Issues Paper 18 The Public’s Right to Know: A Review of the Official Information Act 1982 and Parts 1-6 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987