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.
185 Resources Show all
Getting support and making a complaint in the Oranga Tamariki system
Pamphlets and postersA guide to advocacy, monitoring and complaints for tamariki (children), rangatahi (young people) and their whānau (family).OIA and LGOIMA complaints received between 1 July and 31 December 2023
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) complaints on a six-monthly basis.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Summer 2024
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Ombudsman Quarterly Review for Summer 2024 is out now. In this issue: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.Waka Tangata: APOR E-news (December 2023)
Waka TangataISSUE 12: News and views from integrity organisations in the Pacific and AustralasiaWhen to contact the Ombudsman about natural disaster insurance complaints
FactsheetsToka Tu Ake EQC provides natural disaster damage insurance for residential buildings and some residential land.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Spring 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)In this issue the Chief Ombudsman calls for council workshops to be open by default; the Ombudsman’s new accessibility strategy; an overview of the Ombudsman’s engagements both locally and abroad; and a round up of the most popular guides on our website.Chief Ombudsman's Annual Report 2022/2023
Annual reportsThis year I have intensified my efforts to reach out to diverse communities around New Zealand. I have also continued my work to help lift good practices across government. This balance between the public and government is an important part of my independent role as an Officer of Parliament, and the need for me to reach out to both has become even more evident in current times.Chief Ombudsman's Strategic Intentions - 2023 to 2028
Strategic intentionsI will maintain and strive to continually improve my existing practices in the areas of complaints-handling, proactive interventions, examination of places of detention, disability rights, and provision of agency learning and advice.Accessibility Strategy and Action Plan
Disability rights projectsListen to an audio recording of the overview Watch an the overview in New Zealand Sign LanguageOIA and LGOIMA complaints received between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Winter 2023 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now. In this issue:Our complaint process for children and young people or an adult contacting us on their behalf
FactsheetsOur complaint process for adults
FactsheetsThis diagram shows how to make a complaint about Oranga Tamariki or one of its Care or Custody Providers.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.Waka Tangata: APOR E-news (June 2023)
Waka TangataWarm Pacific greetings from a cold and rainy Melbourne, where winter is fast approaching but, as with all Ombudsman offices large and small, in hot and cold climates, the work continues unabated.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Autumn 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Autumn 2023 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now.Getting ready - Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act implementation
FactsheetsThe Ombudsman is committed to being in a stronger position to consider complaints, investigate and monitor serious and significant issues. Read this factsheet to see how the Ombudsman has prepared for this role.OIA and LGOIMA complaints received 1 July - 31 December 2022
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Factsheet: Chief Ombudsman’s role examining and monitoring aged care facilities
FactsheetsNew Zealand has made an international commitment to make sure detained people are being treated in the right way and are living in a humane environment.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Summer 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)In this issue: a first for a NZ Ombudsman at Waitangi, an illuminating piece from the architect of the Official Information Act, international news from integrity organisations in the Pacific and Australasia, new case notes and more.Waka Tangata: APOR E-news (December 2022)
Waka TangataWaka Tangata: APOR E-News
Waka TangataBiannual news and views from integrity organisations in the Pacific and AustralasiaOmbudsman Quarterly Review Spring 2022
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Spring 2022 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now. It includes Govt agencies receive OIA report card, Oranga Tamariki’s “litany of failures” in Malachi Subecz case, Ombudsman’s disability rights role featured at the UN, 60 years of the Ombudsman in NZ, and more.Chief Ombudsman's Strategic Intentions - 2022 to 2027
Strategic intentionsAs Aotearoa New Zealand’s Ombudsman, I give effect to a number of key democratic and human rights measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of people and promoting government accountability and transparency.Chief Ombudsman's Annual Report 2021/2022
Annual reportsWatch the introduction in New Zealand Sign LanguageOIA and LGOIMA complaints received 1 Jan - 30 June 2022
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2022
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Winter 2022 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now. It includes an opinion piece from Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier on the OIA and LGOIMA, Mr Boshier’s submission to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission, a systemic investigation into the use of workshops by local councils is announced, and a stronger approach to delay deemed refusal complaints.Information for residents' point of contact: Upcoming inspection by the Chief Ombudsman’s team
FactsheetsA letter to residents of aged care facilities where the Chief Ombudsman is carrying out an inspection.