Resources and publications
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Search our guides, case notes, opinions, reports and other information. Our 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.
1151 Resources Show all
Submission of the Ombudsman - OIA consultation July 2019
Projects, reference & data, SubmissionsIn March, the Ministry of Justice announced a public consultation on matters relating to the Official Information Act.Making a protected disclosure - a guide to "blowing the whistle"
Protected Disclosures ActIf you’re concerned about serious wrongdoing in or by your organisation, the Ombudsman is able to provide information and guidance.Checklist – Am I ready to make a protected disclosure?
Protected Disclosures ActThis checklist will assist if you are considering making a protected disclosure about serious wrongdoing in your workplace, or wondering whether you need more information and guidance.Report on an unannounced follow up inspection of Otago Corrections Facility - June 2019
OPCAT reportsFrom 28 January to 1 February 2019 my Inspectors (whom I have authorised to carry out visits of places of detention under COTA) visited Otago Corrections Facility (the Prison) to follow up on recommendations made in a previous OPCAT report (May 2016).Request for political consultation emails
OpinionsThe Minister of State Services refused to provide two emails that revealed the comments provided by the Green Party in response to consultation on a proposed Cabinet paper.LGOIMA compliance and practice at Horowhenua District Council
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe report of the Chief Ombudsman's investigation into LGOIMA compliance and practice at Horowhenua District Council.Ombudsman Quarterly Review - Autumn 2019
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Autumn 2019 edition of the Ombudsman Quarterly Review is here now.Request for emails generated in the course of the Ombudsman’s preliminary inquiries
Case notesThis case note relates to the Ombudsman’s investigation and review of a decision by the Ministry of Education to redact some information from its email responses to the Ombudsman’s preliminary inquiries.The OIA for Ministers and agencies: A guide to processing official information requests
Official informationThe purpose of this guide is to assist Ministers and government agencies in recognising and responding to requests for official information under the OIA.The LGOIMA for local government agencies: A guide to processing requests and conducting meetings
Official informationThe purpose of this guide is to assist local government agencies in recognising and responding to requests for official information under the LGOIMA.Making official information requests: A guide for requesters
Official informationIf you are seeking information from a Minister, or central or local government agency, you may be able to ask for it under either the OIA or LGOIMA.Requests for internal decision making rules: A guide to section 22 of the OIA and section 21 of the LGOIMA
Official informationThis is a guide to requests made under section 22 of the OIA (section 21 of the LGOIMA).Requests for reasons for a decision or recommendation: A guide to section 23 of the OIA and section 22 of the LGOIMA
Official informationThis is a guide to requests made under section 23 of the OIA (section 22 of the LGOIMA).Template letter 1: Acknowledgement letter
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this template letter to acknowledge receipt of a request for official information.Requests by corporate entities for their personal information: A guide to Part 4 of the OIA and LGOIMA
Official informationThis is a guide to Part 4 requests made under the OIA and LGOIMA.Fact sheet: Oranga Tamariki
FactsheetsThis fact sheet explains the Ombudsman's role in relation to complaints made against Oranga Tamariki. Also available in Easy Read format.Template letter 2: Letter seeking clarification or amendment of request
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter if you need to seek clarification or amendment of a request for official information.Template letter 3: Transfer letter to requester
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to inform the requester that you have had to transfer some or all of their request to another agency subject to the OIA or LGOIMA.Requests made online: A guide to requests made through fyi.org.nz and social media
Official informationThis guide deals with OIA and LGOIMA requests made through fyi.org.nz (FYI) and social media websites like Twitter and Facebook.Template letter 4: Transfer letter to other agency
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to transfer some or all of a request for official information to another agency subject to the OIA or LGOIMA.Template letter 5: Extension letter
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to notify the requester of an extension of the maximum timeframe for making and communicating a decision on their request for official information.Report on an unannounced follow up inspection of Hawke's Bay Regional Prison - 30 April 2019
OPCAT reportsMr Boshier has published his findings after an unannounced inspection of the prison in November last year. The report is a follow up to an inspection conducted in December 2016.Dealing with OIA requests involving Ministers: A guide to transfer, consultation, and the notification of decisions on OIA requests
Official informationThis guide provides advice for agencies dealing with OIA requests where Ministers might need to be involved.Making complaints to the UN Disability Committee: A guide for New Zealanders
Disability rightsThis guide explains how to make a complaint to the UN Disability Committee. Available in English, te reo Māori, Easy Read, as a summary poster, NZ sign language video and audio guide.Template letter 6: Letter communicating the decision on a request
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to make and communicate the decision on a request for official information.Consulting third parties
Official informationA guide to consulting third parties before making a decision on an OIA request.Template letter 7: Charging letter
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter to tell the requester you intend to charge for the supply of official information.Template letter 8: Consultation with requester before relying on section 18(f) OIA / section 17(f) LGOIMA
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersAgencies must consider consulting the requester before refusing a request on the grounds of substantial collation or research. This letter provides a basis for written consultation with the requester.Template letter 9: Confirming outcome of consultation with requester
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersThis letter can be used to confirm the outcome of consultation with the requester.Charging: A guide to charging for official information under the OIA and LGOIMA
Official informationThis guide provides advice for agencies about when and how to charge for the supply of official information.Template letter 10: Releasing the information in an alternative form
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersInformation can be released in an alternative form if meeting the requester's preference would impair the efficient administration of the agency. This letter can be used as a basis for conveying that decision.Template letter 11: Refusal letter under section 18(f) OIA / section 17(f) LGOIMA
Template letters and worksheets, Template lettersUse this letter when you need to refuse a request for official information because it would require substantial collation or research.