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.
83 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.Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 guide for Ministers
Protected Disclosures ActThis guide provides information and guidance for Ministers who may receive protected disclosures.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).OIA self-assessment tool
Official informationThis self-assessment tool is one of a number of initiatives from the Chief Ombudsman's office providing support and assistance to lift public sector capability in order to improve the administration, decision-making and compliance with official informatChief Ombudsman’s opinion on OIA complaints about the refusal of Covid-19 vaccine contracts
Official informationSummary The Ministry of Health, Minister for COVID-19 Response, and Minister of Finance received multiple OIA requests for copies of the contracts between the Government and pharmaceutical companies for the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.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.FAQs about official information requests during or following extreme emergency event
Official informationThis guide answers questions about dealing with official information requests during or following extreme emergency events. It:Removing barriers: Reasonable accommodation of disabled people in Aotearoa
Disability rightsThis guide explains what 'reasonable accommodation' is and how to do it. Available in EasyRead, Te Reo Maori and New Zealand sign language.FAQs: official information requests during a general election period
Official informationThis guide answers questions from agencies and requesters about dealing with official information requests during the general election period. It:Resources
GuidesThis page provides resources for fellow Ombudsmen and integrity institutions that may be of use in developing their own practices.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.Guidance on when to engage the Ombudsman in law reform proposals
GuidesThis guidance sets out why and when an Ombudsman should be engaged in law reform process and the Ombudsman's view on some key questions that are likely to arise.Disability Rights: How is New Zealand doing?
Disability rightsThis summary report updates the Committee, and the New Zealand Parliament and public, with recent information on the priority areas that prevent disabled people in New Zealand from realising their full suite of human rights as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.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.Checklist: 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.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.Ombudsman’s approach to delay complaints
GuidesThe 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 and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. He considers these laws to be cornerstones of New Zealand’s democracy.Making 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.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.FAQs about official information requests during COVID-19
Official informationThis guide answers questions from agencies and requesters about dealing with official information requests during the COVID-19 emergency.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.Requesting official information - a brief guide for media
Official informationYou can request official information held by central or local government organisations1, under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) respectively.Chief Ombudsman reaffirms his OPCAT Statement of Principles for places of detention during COVID-19 ‘lock down’
GuidesAs Aotearoa New Zealand is experiencing another nationwide Alert Level 4 lockdown, the Chief Ombudsman reaffirms his statement of principles, issued last year.Making Disability Rights Real in a Pandemic
Disability rights reportsMaking Disability Rights Real in a Pandemic (NZSL) Making Disability Rights Real in a Pandemic (New Zealand Sign Language) - YouTubeConfidentiality: A guide to section 9(2)(ba) of the OIA and section 7(2)(c) of the LGOIMA
Official informationThis is a guide to the confidentiality withholding ground found in section 9(2)(ba) of the OIA and section 7(2)(c) of the LGOIMA.Privacy: A guide to section 9(2)(a) of the OIA and section 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA
Official informationThis is a guide to the privacy withholding ground found in section 9(2)(a) of the OIA and section 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA.OPCAT: Ombudsman and IPCA are visiting court facilities
OPCAT, FactsheetsOmbudsman and IPCA are visiting court facilities Update: August 2020The OIA and the Inquiries Act 2013
Official informationThis guide aims to answer questions about how the Inquiries Act 2013 interacts with the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). This guide discusses: