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.
100 Resources Show all
Council notice about GST charge, in the circumstances, not unreasonable
Case notesPayment of increased GST—timing of Notice—effect of rapid change in central and local governmentCouncil has responsibility to ensure drainage work completed to required standard
Case notesCompensation—adequacy of inspection carried out by council under Drainage and Plumbing Regulations 1978Council advised Ministry of Works has copyright of its intellectual property
Case notesCharging—Commercial fee for use of designs/drawingsCouncil determination of noise nuisance not unreasonable
Case notesNoise Nuisance—permitting a rifle range to operate on property adjoining complainant’s-taking no action to alleviate noise nuisance created by rifle rangeCouncil rates increase proportionate
Case notesRates—whether increase in rates levied was reasonable—whether incidence of rates levied on rural coastal residents was discriminatoryCouncil had sufficient advice before making decision on water reticulation scheme
Case notesProposed water reticulation scheme full Council decision—section 13(1) Ombudsmen Act—whether the Council had sufficient information before it at the time to make the decisionLocal Authority not responsible for loss to third party when its employee had accident outside work time
Case notesMotor vehicle accident with Board vehicle—reasonableness of decision not to compensate complainant for loss suffered as a result of the accidentCouncil accepts sub-delegation to Area Planner invalid
Case notesUnreasonable decision to grant dispensation to neighbour waiving a side yard boundary requirement in the District SchemeCouncils need to work within statutory framework when dealing with complaints about dogs
Case notesUnreasonable refusal to return impounded dog—placement of dog in another home or threat to do soCouncil not unreasonable to claim entitlement to non-refundable deposit
Case notesUnreasonable tendering of land when possible contract entered into – title of land not held by CouncilCouncil enforcement of Planning Tribunal ruling
Case notesFailure to enforce District Scheme requirements-resolved by Council initiating legal proceedingsCouncil failed to meet obligations under Rating Powers Act 1988
Case notesUnlawful setting of rate—section 110 of Rating Powers Act not complied withCouncil not unreasonable to expect ratepayers to indicate purpose of a payment
Case notesCouncil procedure required ratepayers to give Council written notice if they wished a rates payment to be used to pay off newer outstanding rates before penalty date rather than older outstanding rates on which penalty had already accruedCouncil staff failed to enforce district plan regarding rights for roadside sales
Case notesDistrict scheme provisions—selling of bought-in produce from roadside stalls—existing use rightsLocal 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 actionsCouncil should have berm maintenance policy
Case notesMaintenance of berms—Council should have consistent policyImmigration Service delays to process permit reconsideration prompting staff training
Case notesImmigration—work permit—delay in reconsidering application-reconsideration process—staffing and training analysis—complaints resolvedAdequacy 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 penalty