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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.
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Case notes are a short case summary, often demonstrating an aspect of a case.
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Template letters and work sheets
These template letters and work sheets can be used by agencies to help respond to official information requests.
13 Resources Show all
Report on an unannounced inspection of Whanganui Prison - 4 September 2018
OPCAT reportsThe following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA). My function under the COTA is to examine and make any recommendations that I consider appropriate to improve the treatment and conditions of detained persons in a number of places of detention, including prisons. This report examines the treatment and conditions of persons detained in Whanganui Prison.Request for information about staff grievances and allegations of bullying
OpinionsSam Sherwood, on behalf of Stuff, made a request to Selwyn District Council for information about staff grievances and allegations of bullying.Report on an unannounced follow-up inspection of Christchurch Women's Prison - 4 April 2018
OPCAT reportsIn 2007, the Ombudsmen were designated one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the general conditions and treatment of detainees in New Zealand prisons.Report on an unannounced inspection of Arohata Upper Prison - 21 March 2018
OPCAT reportsThe Upper Prison was facing considerable challenges. Resources, infrastructure and staffing were under pressure, which was compounded by the geographical separation from the administrative centre at Tawa. Day-to-day operating systems and arrangements for dealing with women were not fully embedded. Reception and induction processes were poor, and information for foreign prisoners was not available. Significant delays in access to personal property were a source of frustration for many women, reflected in the growing number of complaints and misconducts.Department of Corrections staff to follow legislative requirements when segregating inmate
Case notesDepartment of Corrections held prisoner in Management Unit without following required procedure—segregation legislation and regulations are clear and prescriptiveRequest for reports on Fire Service levy audits
Case notesRequest for reports on Fire Service levy audits—duty of agents of New Zealand Fire Service Commission to report results of examination of records, books and accounts of insurance companies and agents to the Commission—s 51B Fire Service Act 1975—secrecy provisions—release would be contrary to the provisions of the Fire Service ActRequest for advice relating to an independent review, including legal advice transferred between agencies
Case notesRequest for information relating to independent review of PHARMAC’S Operating Policies and Procedures—some information withheld as it was considered legally privileged—legal advice transferred between agencies did not constitute a waiver of the privilege—common interest privilege appliedRequest for affidavit of CYFS social worker
Case notesA request was made to the Department of Child Youth and Family Services (CYFS) by the caregiver of a tamariki. The child was the subject of a Family Court hearing and the request was for an affidavit given by a CYFS social worker.Department of Corrections failed to meet requirements before placing inmate in restrictive regime
Case notesDepartment of Corrections placement of inmate on restrictive regime designed for the most disruptive inmates unreasonable because criteria for placement not met—placement deemed unreasonable—inmate immediately returned to mainstreamDepartment of Corrections applies prison visiting rules too rigidly
Case notesSpecial family visit to inmate denied—decision contrary to Department's national standard—prison agreed to review its local instructions to ensure consistency with spirit and intent of national standardDepartment of Corrections delays prisoner release when segregation order expired
Case notesDelayed release from ‘precautionary segregation’—complaint upheld—implementation of computerised bring-up system to avoid recurrence of problem—no recommendation necessaryRequest for legal opinion used in making submissions on proposed regulatory changes
Case notesRequest for legal opinion—request refused under s 9(2)(h)—opinion used extensively in submissions—view formed that privilege waived—any need to withhold outweighed under s 9(1) by strong public interest considerationPrison unnecessarily holds inmates in secure unit
Case notesPlacement of minimum secure inmates in maximum security conditions