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.
212 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).Ombudsman Quarterly Review Summer 2024
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Ombudsman Quarterly Review for Summer 2024 is out now. In this issue: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.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.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 frRelease 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.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Winter 2023 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now. In this issue:Our children in care complaint process – adult view
FactsheetsThis diagram shows how to make a complaint about Oranga Tamariki or one of its Care or Custody Providers.Our children in care complaint process – child view
FactsheetsThis diagram shows a simplified view of our complaints process, which is designed for children and young people in the Oranga Tamariki system.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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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: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 AustralasiaChief Ombudsman's final opinion on Managed Isolation Allocation System
OpinionsFinal opinion on Managed Isolation Allocation SystemOmbudsman 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 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.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.Waka Tangata: APOR E-news (June 2022)
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