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.
214 Resources Show all
Omission by the Ministry of Education to develop an implementation framework to enable progress on its strategy on New Zealand Sign Language in education
OpinionsRepresentatives from a Deaf Disabled People’s Organisation (Deaf Aotearoa), who advocate for the rights of Deaf people in New Zealand, have raised concerns about the Ministry of Education’s (the Ministry) strategy to progress New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) in education.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.Decision to implement a framework for managing a National Party Advisor’s OIA requests
OpinionsSummary A National Party Advisor, who at the time was responsible for making requests on behalf of two National Party Members of Parliament, complained to me about the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry)’s decision to implement a frOpen 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 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 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.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.Release of recording or transcript of a speech by then Minister Hon Kiritapu Allan
OpinionsThree people made requests to Radio New Zealand (RNZ) for audio recordings of a speech made by then Minister Hon Kiritapu Allan, in her personal capacity, at a farewell ceremony which RNZ organised for the Minister’s then fiancée, Ms Māni Dunlop.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:Request for communications regarding Minister Kiritapu Allan
OpinionsAn MP made a request to the MBIE for correspondence regarding the behaviour or conduct of the Minister for Justice and Regional Development, and Associate Minister for Transport and Finance, Hon Kiritapu Allan.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.Former Minister Hon Stuart Nash's communications with donors
OpinionsOn 8 June 2021 a freelance journalist made a request to the then Minister Stuart Nash, for ‘correspondence and details of the nature and substance of any other communication since the start of 2020’ with 19 named individuals.Advice on the Managed Isolation Allocation System in regard to offshore seafarers
OpinionsThe Chief Ombudsman received complaints from 2 offshore seafarers that they were not eligible to access the offline maritime allocation in MIQ available to other seafarers. This meant they had to use the online allocation system operated by MBIE, which proved difficult due to the nature of seafaring work.Auckland Council/Waitematā Local Board's decision making in relation to the National Erebus Memorial
OpinionsThis complaint concerns the Government’s decision to establish a National Erebus Memorial in Dove Myer Robinson Park/Taurarua in Parnell, Auckland and, more specifically, the associated approvals and consent granted by the Auckland Council (the Council) that permit that project to proceed.Chief Ombudsman's final opinion on Managed Isolation Allocation System
OpinionsFinal opinion on Managed Isolation Allocation SystemOIPI systemic investigation - Terms of Reference
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThese documents outline the terms of reference for Official Information Practice Investigations systemic investigation into seven agencies' compliance, processes and practices.Chief Ombudsman’s opinion under the Ombudsmen Act - Malachi Subecz
OpinionsThe Chief Ombudsman received a complaint about the actions of Oranga Tamariki in relation to the death of a young child/tamaiti, Malachi, aged five.OIA compliance and practice in Accident Compensation Corporation
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Department of Corrections 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Education 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Health 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Justice 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.OIA compliance and practice in Ministry of Social Development 2022
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThis report was released as part of ‘Ready or not?’, an investigation into OIA practices at 12 core agencies.