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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.
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Contains our media releases, newsletters, pamphlets, speeches and fact sheets. Fact sheets are published in multiple language and accessible formats.
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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.
54 Resources Show all
Local Authority required to improve damaged drainage systems on private properties
Case notesDrainage of two properties was inadequate and Council failed to act on the matter—the Ombudsman determined that the Council had abrogated its responsibilities by failing to act appropriately to deal with the problem—Council agreed to do the remedial work following the Ombudsman’s inquiriesCouncil agrees to change basis for imposing fees for licence to occupy in small community following complaint from permanent residents
Case notesFees for licence to occupy reserve land—differential between permanent and non-permanent residentsCouncil required to serve notice for noise nuisance
Case notesFailure to reduce noise nuisanceCouncil accepts further discussion required with public over road closure decision
Case notesClosure of a public road during winter monthsCouncil agrees to pay for part of fence removed for road widening
Case notesDelay in Council replying to complainant’s correspondence relating to the matter—unclear whether undertaking had been made—on balance probableCouncil waives fee for replacing pipes as gesture of goodwill
Case notesCharging for faulty work—whether County Council responsibleCouncil failed to adhere to conditions to dump refuse on leasehold land
Case notesFailure to reduce a smell nuisanceMarlborough Forestry Corporation’s sub-committee procedures fall short of standard required
Case notesConflict between staff and members of Board—importance of record keeping—question of minutes reflecting intentions of organisationCouncil agrees to reimburse legal fees where complainant lost opportunity to make submission
Case notesLegal costs—Council refusal to reimburse complainantCouncil acquires land by transfer to resolve dispute over undedicated land
Case notesFailure to maintain undedicated landCouncil’s processes regarding consent application not unreasonable, but inadequate response to complainant’s inquiries
Case notesPlanning application—dispensation under s 76(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1977— complainant overseas, not notified of outcome of applicationCouncil accepts it should fix issue over storm water drain
Case notesStormwater drainage for potential subdivision—effect of conditions of previous subdivision consents—Council obligations to supply outfallCouncil takes action to reduce noise nuisance from aircraft testing facility
Case notesNoise nuisance-aircraft engine testing at night—responsibilities of local authorityLocal Authority failed to require abatement of noise nuisance
Case notesLocal Authority had not enforced a Transitional District Plan in respect of the use of a dwelling—complainant’s neighbour had been using his home property to repair racing cars and the noise detrimentally affected the neighbourhood—Ombudsman found the Council had failed to require abatement of a noise nuisance but then agreed to do so—complaint discontinued on basis of Council’s actionsDepartment of Social Welfare and inadequate advice for unsupported child benefit
Case notesAdvice given by Department on availability of financial assistance—remedy for financial lossDepartment of Social Welfare agrees to reconsider offer of severance payment for employee
Case notesApplication of redundancy provisions in Employment Agreement to part-time employee—part-time employment offered on permanent basis—employee made redundant after 60th birthday and excluded from severance provisions—department reconsidered and agreed to pay severanceCouncil should have berm maintenance policy
Case notesMaintenance of berms—Council should have consistent policyDepartment of Social Welfare required to offer travel expenses to disabled person
Case notesReimbursement of travelling expenses pursuant to s.13 of Disabled Persons Community Welfare Act 1975—whether application by pregnant diabetic constituted permanent disability—Department decided specialist oversight necessitated by longstanding diabetic condition and approved paymentAdequacy of Council's public consultation on traffic plan
Case notesChanges to traffic markings—detrimental effect on local church—Council’s main duty to enhance road safetyCouncil changes policy on remittance of penalties in certain circumstances
Case notesRates—late payment penaltyDepartment of Social Welfare and unfair repayment of a loan
Case notesDepartment of Social Welfare-decision to require repayment of a suspensory loan granted under the Disabled Persons Community Welfare ActDepartment of Social Welfare error in employment issue
Case notesDispute over offer of employment—remedy available under Employment Contracts Act— Ombudsman exercised discretion under s 130(a) to investigate—employment offer reinstated