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.
158 Resources Show all
The way I see it
ReportsReport by the Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier, December 2015 to March 2025, on leaving Office.Te Pūrongo nā Te Pūhara Mana Tangata ki te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata 2022-2024
ReportsThis report follows on from the inaugural report of Pūhara Mana Tangata released in 2022. It covers key highlights and reflections of Pūhara Mana Tangata over the period from 2022-2024.Official Information Act timeliness reports 2025
Official Information Practice InvestigationsIn 2025 the Ombudsman released reports on the timeliness of Official Information Act responses from 7 agencies.OIA timeliness at Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman conducted a self-initiated investigation to examine the practices and processes used by seven agencies to meet their overarching obligations under the Official Information Act 1982 to:OIA timeliness at Kāinga Ora | Homes and Communities
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman conducted a self-initiated investigation to examine the practices and processes used by seven agencies to meet their overarching obligations under the Official Information Act 1982 to:OIA timeliness at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Te Tari o te Pirimia me te Komiti Matua
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman conducted a self-initiated investigation to examine the practices and processes used by seven agencies to meet their overarching obligations under the Official Information Act 1982 to:OIA timeliness at Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman conducted a self-initiated investigation to examine the practices and processes used by seven agencies to meet their overarching obligations under the Official Information Act 1982 to:OIA timeliness at Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman conducted a self-initiated investigation to examine the practices and processes used by seven agencies to meet their overarching obligations under the Official Information Act 1982 to:OIA timeliness at The Treasury | Te Hai Ōhanga
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman conducted a self-initiated investigation to examine the practices and processes used by seven agencies to meet their overarching obligations under the Official Information Act 1982 to:OIA timeliness at Transpower
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman conducted a self-initiated investigation to examine the practices and processes used by seven agencies to meet their overarching obligations under the Official Information Act 1982 to:The Chief Ombudsman’s reflections on the Official Information Act
ReportsOutgoing Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier released this report about his reflections on the Official Information Act 1982, from his during nine years in the role.OPCAT Aged Care Monitoring: Chief Ombudsman's Observations 2021 to 2024
OPCAT reportsThis report summarises some of the Chief Ombudsman's insights from visits to secure aged care facilities between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2024.Report on an examination of the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsMy examination of Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit (PERU) has given me a clear picture of how the PERU operates, and what it means for the conditions and treatment experienced by people in custody in the PERU.Terms of reference for local council official information practice investigation
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis document sets out the terms of reference for a self-initiated investigation by the Chief Ombudsman into the practices of the Council relating to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.Terms of reference for Auckland Transport official information practice investigation
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis document sets out the terms of reference for a self-initiated investigation by the Chief Ombudsman into the practices of Auckland Transport relating to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.Terms of reference for Wellington Water official information practice investigation
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis document sets out the terms of reference for a self-initiated investigation by the Chief Ombudsman into the practices of Wellington Water relating to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).Report on an announced follow up inspection of Henry Rongomau Bennett – Waiora Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
OPCAT reportsFrom 24 to 26 May 2022, three teams of two Inspectors – whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under COTA on my behalf – made announced three-day inspections to Puna Maatai, Puna Awhi-rua, and Puna Poipoi Wards at Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre.Report on an announced follow up inspection of Te Whetu Tawera – Auckland City Hospital
OPCAT reportsFrom 23 to 25 August 2022, two Inspectors – whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under the COTA on my behalf – made an announced three-day inspection to Te Whetu Tawera.Report on an announced follow up inspection of Ward 6C, Dunedin Hospital
OPCAT reportsOn 6 and 7 September 2022, two Inspectors - whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under COTA on my behalf - made an announced two-day inspection of Ward 6C, Dunedin Hospital.Report on an announced follow up inspection of Te Whare Oranga Tangata o Whakaue Unit, Rotorua Hospital
OPCAT reportsFrom 23 November 2021, a team of two Inspectors – whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under the COTA on my behalf – made an announced two-day inspection to the Unit.Report on an announced follow up inspection of Ward 9A, Wakari Hospital, Dunedin
OPCAT reportsFrom 27 to 30 September 2022, two Inspectors - whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under COTA on my behalf - made an announced four-day inspection to Ward 9A at Wakari Hospital, Dunedin.Report on an announced follow up inspection of Ward 9B Wakari Hospital, Dunedin
OPCAT reportsFrom 26 to 30 September 2022, two Inspectors – whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under the COTA on my behalf – made an announced five-day inspection to Ward 9B at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin.Report on an announced follow up inspection of He Puna Waiora Mental Health Inpatient Unit, North Shore Hospital Campus
OPCAT reportsBetween 23 and 26 August 2022, two Inspectors – who I have authorised to visit places of detention under COTA on my behalf - made an announced four-day inspection of the He Puna Waiora Mental Health Inpatient Unit.Report on an announced targeted inspection of Ngā Rau Rākau, Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital
OPCAT reportsFrom 23 November 2021, a team of two Inspectors - whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under COTA on my behalf - made an announced two-day inspection to the Unit.Report on an announced targeted inspection of Te Puna Waiora, Taranaki Base Hospital
OPCAT reportsFrom 29 September 2021 a team of two inspectors – whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under the COTA on my behalf – made an announced two-day inspection to Te Puna Waiora.Report on an announced follow up inspection of the Inpatient Mental Health Unit - Southland Hospital
OPCAT reportsFrom 24 January 2023, three Inspectors – whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under the COTA on my behalf – made an announced four-day inspection to the Inpatient Mental Health Unit at Southland Hospital.Report on an announced targeted inspection of Te Whare Awhiora, Gisborne Hospital
OPCAT reportsFrom 27 October 2021, a team of two Inspectors – whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under COTA on my behalf – made an announced two-day inspection of Te Whare Awhiora, Gisborne Hospital.Report on an unannounced inspection of Kingsley Mortimer Unit, North Shore
OPCAT reportsFrom 6 to 10 March, a team of two Inspectors - whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under COTA on my behalf - made an unannounced five-day inspection to the Kingsley Mortimer Unit.Children in care: complaints to the Ombudsman 2019–2023
ReportsA report identifying the themes emerging from complaints and enquiries made between 2019 and 2023 about Oranga Tamariki.Report on an announced follow up inspection of Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa – Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre
OPCAT reportsOn 27 July 2022, a team of two Inspectors made an announced one-day follow up inspection of Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa – Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre.Insights and Observations: The Chief Ombudsman's report on extreme weather events 2023
ReportsExtreme weather events that ravaged the country in early 2023 caused significant damage and loss of life. To ensure he understood the extent of the devastation and the challenges the country now faces, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier embarked on an engagement and outreach programme.Meeting and workshop practices at Clutha District Council 2023
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of 'Open for business', a report on local council meetings and workshops.