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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 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.
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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.
1418 Resources Show all
Oversight: An investigation into the Ministry of Health’s stewardship of hospital-level secure services for people with an intellectual disability
Systemic investigationsExecutive summary In late 2018, I became increasingly concerned about a continuing shortage of specialised hospital accommodation for people with an intellectual disability requiring secure care and rehabilitation, and about the conditions inFrequently asked questions about publication of OIA and LGOIMA complaints data
Complaints dataBackground The publication of official information complaints data is driven by the Chief Ombudsman’s desire to increase transparency around the operation of the official information legislation.Misunderstanding that led to decision to refuse to issue a Code Compliance Certificate
Case notesDecision by the Council to decline to issue a Code Compliance Certificate for solid fuel heater – Ombudsman inquiries with the Council resulted in the decision being reversed, the Council obtaining the necessary outstanding document from the contractors, and an apology being given to the complainant – complaint resolved without need for formal investigationLegal framework for Chief Ombudsman’s inspections of health & disability facilities
FactsheetsInspecting places of detention helps to ensure that people who are deprived of their liberty are treated humanely, and their rights are protected and restored.Report on inspections of aged care facilities under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsThis thematic report outlines my key findings, suggestions, and recommendations in relation to OPCAT COVID-19 inspections of six secure aged care Facilities (the Facilities) between 27 May and 18 June 2020 (during Alert Levels 2 and 1).Decisions to decline MIQ medical needs exemptions were not unreasonable
Case notesThe Chief Ombudsman investigated two complaints in late 2020 about the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s decisions to decline the complainants’ requests for medical needs exemptions from Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) requirementRequest for Ministry of Health Legal Opinion
Case notesSection 9(2)(h) applied to a Health Legal opinion relied on by Health and Disability Ethics Committee when making its decision to decline a research study application—privilege held by the Crown—no implied waiver although finely balanced—strong publUnreasonable decisions by INZ on Post-Study work visa applications
Case notesImmigration New Zealand applied an interpretation of immigration instructions not reflected in guidance to applicants - Post-Study work visa – open was granted for one year instead of three – INZ relied on an amendment circular to preclude eligibiliInternational Development and Engagement Strategy (July 2020 – June 2023)
Strategic intentionsThe International Development and Engagement Strategy has been developed to guide the international work of the Ombudsman from July 2020 to June 2023.Report on an unannounced inspection of Tiaho Mai Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Middlemore Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary Background Ombudsmen are designated as one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of sReport on an unannounced inspection of Te Whare Ahuru Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Hutt Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary Background Ombudsmen are designated as one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of cReport on an unannounced inspection of STAR 1 (Services for Treatment, Assessment & Rehabilitation), Palmerston North Hospital, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive Summary Background Ombudsmen are designated one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of patiReport on an announced follow up inspection of Whanganui Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive summary Background Ombudsmen are 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 treatmenReport on an unannounced follow up inspection of Christchurch Men’s Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsExecutive summary Background Ombudsmen are 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 treatmenWaka Tangata: APOR E-news (June 2021)
Waka TangataOmbudsman Quarterly Review Autumn 2021
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The OQR for Autumn 2021 is out. In this issue:Investigation Terms of Reference: Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections – actions and/or omissions to make sustained and significant improvement to prisoner welfare and rehabilitation
InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman has commenced a self-initiated investigation into Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections.[1]Report on an announced inspection of Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsForeword The following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).Board of Trustees decision to expel student on basis of gross misconduct not justified
Case notesStudent expelled after isolated incident – Ombudsman found that the family were not given the full opportunity to respond to the allegations, and the Board’s minutes did not show how the decision was arrived at – Ombudsman not convinced that the incDelay in responding to request for certain briefings
Case notesFailure by the Minister for Courts to make and communicate his decision on a request for official information within extended time limit— contrary to lawNew case note – Complaints about Immigration New Zealand
Case notesThe Chief Ombudsman has issued a case note which highlights a number of complaints about Immigration New Zealand’s decision-making on Skilled Migrant Category residence visa applications and the Employment Visa Escalation Scheme.Unreasonable actions throughout dealings with custodial caregiver
Case notesUse of incorrect, unverified information—failure to perform due diligence before removing mokopuna from grandmother—inadequate review of case, and inadequate response to review—failure to work with complainant in a way that met her needs as wEarly resolution of a toll fee imposed on previous vehicle owner
Case notesToll fee charged by Waka Kotahi to a previous vehicle owner who had left the country — Ombudsman inquiries with Waka Kotahi resulted in the toll fee being waived —complaint resolved without need for formal investigationOIA and LGOIMA complaints received July - December 2020
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Summer 2021
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The OQR for summer 2021 is out. In this issue:LGOIMA practice reports: Buller District Council, Invercargill City Council, Porirua City Council and Tauranga City Council
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman has released investigation reports into LGOIMA practice and compliance at Buller District Council, Invercargill City Council, Porirua City Council and Tauranga City Council.Making Disability Rights Real in a Pandemic
Disability rights reportsMaking Disability Rights Real in a Pandemic (NZSL) Making Disability Rights Real in a Pandemic (New Zealand Sign Language) - YouTubeReport on an unannounced inspection of Matawhāiti Residence under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsThe following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).Annual Report 2019/20
Annual reportsCOVID-19. The pandemic which swept the world in 2020 is undoubtedly the defining event of the past year. It has further defined the role of Ombudsman.Final report on an unannounced inspection of Auckland Prison under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989
OPCAT reportsThe following report has been prepared in my capacity as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA).WorkSafe’s decision not to formally investigate an incident
Case notesComplaint about WorkSafe’s decision not to investigate and lay charges following an accident causing injury – failure to consider all relevant information – failure to engage meaningfully with the complainant – no evidence that documents had been faRequest for unredacted submissions on the Victoria University of Wellington name simplification proposal
Case notesRequest for copies of submissions made to Victoria University on its name simplification proposal – the University did not consult appropriately with the submitters before it published the submissions – submissions published with identifying details