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.
Use the search bar to make your search. Then use the filters to narrow down the results by resource type or topic.
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.
172 Resources Show all
Measures protecting public health and safety – request to New Zealand Police for video footage of tasered goat
Case notesNew Zealand Police (Police) received a request from a journalist for video footage of an incident in December 2016 during which a goat was tasered.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Spring 2018
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Spring 2018 edition of the Ombudsman Quarterly Review is here now.APOR conference 2018: Opening address
SpeechesPresident of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and Ombudsman for the Republic of Ireland, Peter Tyndall, opened the 30th Australasian and Pacific Ombudsman Region (APOR) conference on 28 November 2018 by calling on integrity instituSubmission of the Chief Ombudsman – Protected Disclosures Act consultation
Projects, reference & data, SubmissionsThe State Services Commission held a public consultation on possible reform of the PDA in 2018. The Chief Ombudsman made a submission, which is now available to read.Investigation into Horowhenua District Council’s email quarantining practice
OpinionsBetween 2011 and 2017, the Horowhenua District Council kept a list of people whose emails were deemed to pose a risk to staff. This list included the names of some of the Council’s own elected officials.Decision to impose conditions on the release of National Stadium reports to councillors
Case notesThe Auckland Council received two reports as part of a pre-feasibility study on the potential for a new National Stadium and Precinct in downtown Auckland.Waka Tangata: APOR E-news (November 2018)
Waka TangataTackling dementia: Protecting the rights of detained people
SpeechesThe Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier's presentation to the Alzheimers New Zealand conference on 25 October 2018 outlined how the OPCAT provides an international platform for effecting national change to protect the human rights of some of our most vulnerable people: those with dementia who are detained in facilities.Annual Report 2017/2018
Annual reportsIn the past year, we have made some excellent progress in key areas, none more so than by clearing our backlog of complaints, a bugbear both for us and the public. We have been quicker and more efficient in resolving complaints, but with no reduction in the quality or efficacy of our work. Specific cases we have dealt with this year are contained in this report, and they showcase the breadth and depth of the work we are tasked to undertake.Protecting the rights of detained people
SpeechesThe Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier's presentation to the New Zealand Aged Care Association's annual conference on 12 September 2018.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2018
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The winter 2018 edition of the Ombudsman Quarterly Review is here now.Request for camera footage of three Taser incidents
Case notesSection 9(2)(a) OIA applied—footage of two incidents particularly sensitive—pixelation not sufficient to address privacy interests—footage of third incident not so sensitive—pixelation would make the risk of identification negligible—strong public interOIA compliance and practice at the Department of Conservation
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe report of the Chief Ombudsman's investigation into OIA compliance and practice at the Department of Conservation.OIA compliance and practice at Land Information New Zealand
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe report of the Chief Ombudsman's investigation into OIA compliance and practice at Land Information New Zealand.OIA compliance and practice at the Ministry for the Environment
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe report of the Chief Ombudsman's investigation into OIA compliance and practice at the Ministry for the Environment.OIA compliance and practice at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe report of the Chief Ombudsman's investigation into OIA compliance and practice at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.OIA complaints completed 1 January - 30 June 2018
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA complaints received against Ministers and agencies on a six-monthly basis.OIA complaints received 1 January - 30 June 2018
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA complaints received against Ministers and agencies on a six-monthly basis.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 ERO review
Case notesSection 9(2)(ba)(i) OIA applied to information obtained from participants in review—express obligation of confidence—release would be likely to prejudice the future supply of information by participants—it is in the public interest for ERO to receive coAuckland Council’s processing of a request for official information
OpinionsI have investigated an Ombudsmen Act (OA) complaint by Radio New Zealand (RNZ) about the way in which Auckland Council processed its request for information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA).Request for list of proposed Significant Natural Areas
Case notesNegotiations concluded—s 7(2)(i) does not applyStrategic Intentions 2018/2022
Strategic intentionsOur Strategic Intentions document sets out the nature and scope of our functions, the strategic direction of our organisation, what we are hoping to achieve, and some key measures.Request for names of staff and contractors involved in producing crime and safety survey
Case notesSection 9(2)(g)(ii) OIA applied to staff names—on basis of past conduct Ombudsman satisfied that requester would engage in improper pressure or harassment that would impact on the Ministry’s ability to attract and retain staff and contactors—section 9(2Request for list of buildings whose owners had not responded to Council’s requests for information about non-ductile columns
OpinionsFollowing the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) carried out a review to identify buildings with certain features which were suspected of having contributed to the collapse of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building and the loss of 115 lives.Bringing the lamp of scrutiny to otherwise dark places
SpeechesMBIE had an OIA week (9-13 April) to focus on lifting its performance and improving the quality of the OIA work it does. This is the keynote address from Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier.Commercial position and negotiations – request for information concerning Council’s decision to allocate ratepayer funds to marketing support for Singapore Airlines
Case notesWellington City Council (the Council) received a request for any written material used by the Council’s Chief Executive when he made his decision to provide designated ‘Destination Wellington’ funds to Wellington Airport International Airport Limited (the Airport). The Airport intended to use these funds to market Singapore Airlines’ Wellington-Canberra-Singapore route.Request for the salary details of specific employees
Case notesThe Christchurch City Council refused four requests for the salary details of specific employees under section 7(2)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA), to protect the privacy of natural persons.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Autumn 2018
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Ombudsman Quarterly Review for autumn 2018 is available now.Earthquake Commission’s interpretation of the Earthquake Commission Act 1993 regarding swimming pool building not unreasonable
Case notesWhether the Earthquake Commission was unreasonable to decline compensation for damage to the pool house enclosing a swimming pool at a Christchurch property—Ombudsman concluded EQC’s decision was not unreasonableOPCAT Annual Report 2016/2017
OPCAT reportsThis report is the 10th report of the National Preventive Mechanisms. It summarises the activities of the NPMs and CNPM during the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017.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.