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.
143 Resources Show all
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.Meeting and Workshop practices in Rotorua Lakes Council 2023
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of 'Open for business', a report on local council meetings and workshops.Meeting and workshop practices in Waimakariri District Council 2023
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of 'Open for business', a report on local council meetings and workshops.Meeting and workshop practices at Rangitīkei District Council 2023
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of 'Open for business', a report on local council meetings and workshops.Meeting and workshop practices at Taranaki Regional Council 2023
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of 'Open for business', a report on local council meetings and workshops.Meeting and workshop practices in Timaru District Council 2023
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of 'Open for business', a report on local council meetings and workshops.Meeting and workshop practices at Taupō District Council 2023
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of 'Open for business', a report on local council meetings and workshops.Open for business: A report on the Chief Ombudsman’s investigation into local council meetings and workshops
Official Information Practice InvestigationsA report on the Chief Ombudsman’s investigation into workshop and meeting practices of eight local authorities for the purpose of compliance with the principles and purposes of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.Meeting and workshop practices at Palmerston North City Council 2023
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of 'Open for business', a report on local council meetings and workshops.Report on an announced follow up inspection of Matawhāiti Residence under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExcerpt from recommendations I am making one repeat recommendation, one amended recommendation, and three new recommendations based on my 2022 inspection.Report on an announced targeted inspection of Manawatu Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExcerpt from Recommendations I make the following recommendations for improving the conditions and treatment of those in the Prison:Report on an announced targeted inspection of Christchurch Women’s Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsIntroduction 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 Arohata Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsIntroduction Following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), as designated under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).Kia Whaitake | Making a Difference: Investigation into Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections
Systemic investigationsChief Ombudsman Peter Boshier released Kia Whaitake | Making a Difference following his self-initiated investigation into how Ara Poutama Aotearoa | the Department of Corrections has responded to repeated calls for improvements in the way prisoners are treated.