Resources and publications
Ngā rauemi me ngā tānga
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.
1347 Resources Show all
Annual Report 2018/2019
Annual reportsIt was a busy year. A very busy year. Using almost all measures, the level of our work increased, yet our results were, overall, very pleasing.Request for RMA side agreement between Council and iwi
Case notesSection 7(2)(c)(ii) LGOIMA applied—agreement contained express obligation of confidence— release would be likely to damage the public interest in encouraging parties to settle their disputes without resorting to litigation—public interest in accountabilDecision by public transport operator not to reimburse charges incurred due to unavailability of public transport services
Case notesComplainant unable to board public transport service within 30-minute transfer period incurs extra charges—operator declines to provide a refund citing its policy—complainant alleges an obligation to provide services to all destinations within 30 miReport on an unannounced inspection of Tongariro 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).Charge for supply of information about the closure of Naenae Pool
Case notesDecision to charge $228 for supply of information about the closure of Naenae pool was unreasonable—the significance of the issue within the Lower Hutt community warranted a full waiver of that charge—Council agreed to waive the fee and change its chargOmbudsman Quarterly Review - Winter 2019
Outreach, Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)In this issue:OIA complaints received January - June 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA complaints received against Ministers and agencies on a six-monthly basis.OIA complaints completed January - June 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataComplaints completedLGOIMA complaints received January - June 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on LGOIMA complaints received against local agencies on a six-monthly basis.LGOIMA complaints completed January - June 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataComplaints completedReport on an unannounced inspection of Northland Regional Corrections Facility - August 2019
Reports, OPCAT reportsThe Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says the Northland Regional Corrections Facility is persisting with policies that are preventing it from achieving its full potential.Fact sheet: Aged care monitoring
FactsheetsThis fact sheet sets out why the Ombudsman is monitoring privately-run aged care facilities, and how the monitoring will differ from existing audits and reviews.LGOIMA practice report: Auckland Council
Reports, Official Information Practice InvestigationsChief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has published his report into Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) compliance and practice at Auckland Council.Protected disclosures – guidance on internal policies and procedures
Guides, Protected Disclosures ActIf your organisation is looking to encourage an open reporting culture, or is currently grappling with how to handle a protected disclosure by one of your employees about serious wrongdoing in your workplace, the Ombudsman can provide guidance.LGOIMA practice report: Far North District Council
Reports, Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman has released his report into Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act compliance and practice at Far North District Council.Response of Board of Trustees to parents’ complaint about bullying
Case notesFailure of school to deal effectively with bullying of autistic and gifted student – parents complain to Board of Trustees – response received a year later- parents highly dissatisfied – investigation discloses that independent review conducted withoutRequest for Police Commissioner’s letter to the Minister about Deputy Commissioner
Case notesRequest for letter written by the Police Commissioner to the Minister of Police about response to Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) findings on bullying complaints about Deputy Police Commissioner—s 9(2)(a) applied—information related to tRequest for Chief Executive’s performance agreement and KPIs
Case notesRequest for Chief Executive’s performance agreement and KPIs—s 7(2)(a) LGOIMA did not provide good reason to withhold most of the performance agreements and KPIs—however, s 7(2)(c)(ii) provided good reason to withhold ‘stretch targets’—there was a mRequest for information on public service chief executive pay and remuneration
Case notesRequest for information on chief executive pay and remuneration—s 9(2)(a) did not provide good reason to withhold total chief executive pay—disclosure recommended by the Chief Ombudsman—s 9(2)(a) did provide good reason to withhold individual componYour OIA rights and responsibilities
SpeechesOn 13 July, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier addressed around 800 delegates at the New Zealand School Trustees Association’s annual conference. Here is his speech.Report on an unannounced follow up inspection of Invercargill Prison – July 2019
Reports, OPCAT reportsInvercargill Prison is now cleaner, tidier and in better repair than it was three years ago, and general living conditions for most prisoners have improved. This is the report of the follow up inspection conducted from 8 to 12 April 2019.OIA practice report: the Treasury
Reports, Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman has released his report into Official Information Act compliance and practice at the Treasury.LGOIMA practice reports: Greater Wellington Regional Council and Tasman District Council
Reports, Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe Chief Ombudsman has released two further investigation reports into LGOIMA practice and compliance at local authorities. Tasman District Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council are the latest under the microscope.Decision not to include proposal in shortlist for Christchurch regeneration area plan
Case notesComplainant’s proposal for the draft Ōtākaro/Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan excluded from shortlist of proposals for public notification—complainant alleged assessment of proposal flawed, failure of agency to engage with complainant regardingOIA compliance and practice at Callaghan Innovation
Official Information Practice InvestigationsThe report of the Chief Ombudsman's investigation into OIA compliance and practice at Callaghan Innovation.Strategic Intentions 2019/2023
Corporate information, 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.Oranga Tamariki newborn removal investigation Terms of Reference
InvestigationsThis document updates the terms of reference for the Chief Ombudsman’s self-initiated investigation into the role of Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children in connection with the removal of newborns.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.Request for staff names and initials in Commerce Commission memorandum
Case notesSection 9(2)(a) OIA did not apply—not necessary to withhold staff names to protect their privacy—section 9(2)(g)(ii) did not apply—no information to suggest release would lead to improper pressure or harassment—section 9(2)(g)(i) did not apply—no reasonMaking 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.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.