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Resources and publications

Ngā rauemi me ngā tānga

Search our guides, case notes, opinions, reports and other information. Our resources and publications can also be searched by date and other options. 

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1207 Resources Show all

  • Information not held: A guide to sections 18(e) and (g) of the OIA and sections 17(e) and (g) of the LGOIMA

    Official information
    Agencies cannot release official information if they do not hold it; and there is no obligation under the official information legislation for them to have to create it.

  • Frivolous, vexatious and trivial: A guide to section 18(h) of the OIA and section 17(h) of the LGOIMA

    Official information
    Under section 18(h) of the OIA (17(h) of the LGOIMA) a request can be refused if it is frivolous or vexatious, or the information is trivial.

  • OIA complaints completed July - December 2018

    Complaints data
    The Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA complaints received against Ministers and agencies on a six-monthly basis.

  • OIA complaints received July - December 2018

    Complaints data
    The Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA complaints received against Ministers and agencies on a six-monthly basis.

  • Common misconceptions about the OIA and LGOIMA

    Official information
    This part of the Ombudsman's Practice Guidelines deals with some common misconceptions in relation to the official information legislation.

  • Latest OIA data released by the Ombudsman – LGOIMA data to be released in September

    Media releases
    The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier today released his latest Official Information Act data, which shows a 34% rise in complaints received by his office since the data was first published two-and-a-half years ago.

  • An Ombudsman's investigation and review under the OIA or LGOIMA

    Official information
    This part of the Ombudsman's Practice Guidelines describes the role and functions of an Ombudsman under the OIA and LGOIMA.

  • Guidance for agencies whose decisions are under investigation by the Ombudsman

    Official information
    This part of the Ombudsman's Practice Guidelines provides some specific advice for agencies whose decisions are subject to an investigation and review by an Ombudsman under the OIA or LGOIMA. 

  • Ombudsman's approach to 'delay complaints'

    Official information
    This guide explains the Ombudsman’s approach to complaints about delayed responses to official information requests.

  • Changes to the Ombudsmen Act and official information legislation

    Official information
    This is a quick reference guide to changes to the Ombudsmen Act and official information legislation which came into effect on 26 March 2015.

  • Changes to the LGOIMA, including ‘working day’ definition

    Official information
    Changes to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) which came into effect on 21 March 2019 will affect ‘working day’ calculations for LGOIMA. This guidance explains those changes in more detail.

  • The OIA and school boards of trustees

    Official information
    This guide sets out the key ‘need to know’ information about the obligations of school boards of trustees under the OIA. It also explains the Ombudsman’s role in relation to complaints about OIA requests.

  • Address information for the purposes of civil court proceedings

    Official information
    This guide sets out the Ombudsman’s approach to OIA and LGOIMA requests for address information for the purposes of pursuing civil court proceedings.

  • Chief executive expenses

    Official information
    This guide sets out the Ombudsman’s approach to requests for information about state sector Chief Executives’ expenses.

  • The OIA and parliamentary privilege

    Official information
    A guide on the impact of the Parliamentary Privilege Act and the reasons for withholding parliamentary proceedings.

  • Report on an announced inspection of Auckland South Corrections Facility - 20 February 2019

    OPCAT reports
    The Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, has released his first inspection report into the treatment and conditions of prisoners at Auckland South Corrections Facility (also known as Kohuora).

  • Auckland South Corrections Facility let down by its staffing issues

    Media releases
    The Chief Ombudsman says staff shortages at one of New Zealand’s largest prisons are causing prisoners to spend extended periods of time locked in their cells and prisoners’ rehabilitation needs are not being met.

  • Chief Ombudsman commences two investigations into the Ministry of Health and its services for people with intellectual disabilities

    Media releases
    The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has launched investigations into the Ministry of Health’s oversight of facilities and services for intellectually disabled people with high and complex needs.

  • Terms of reference for intellectual disability systemic investigations

    Projects, reference & data, Investigations
    The Systemic Improvement Investigations (SII) team undertakes self-initiated investigations (under the Ombudsmen Act 1975) into systemic issues where the Chief Ombudsman thinks their intervention has the potential to improve public sector administration

  • Potentially frivolous or vexatious requests work sheet

    Template letters and worksheets, Worksheets and other resources
    This summary work sheet will help you to decide whether there is a proper basis for refusing a request for official information under section 18(f) of the OIA / 17(f) of the LGOIMA, because the request is frivolous or vexatious.

  • Publicly available information work sheet

    Template letters and worksheets, Worksheets and other resources
    This summary work sheet will help you to decide whether there is a proper basis for refusing a request for official information under section 18(d) of the OIA / 17(d) of the LGOIMA, because the requested information is or will soon be publicly available.

  • Sample estimate of costs

    Template letters and worksheets, Worksheets and other resources
    This sample estimate of costs can be used to help calculate a charge for supplying official information, and be provided to the requester.

  • Effective complaint handling

    Good administration
    This guide sets out key information for agencies about developing and operating an effective complaints process. It also provides information about the Ombudsman’s role and a checklist for agencies to follow.

  • Charging work sheet

    Template letters and worksheets, Worksheets and other resources
    This summary work sheet takes you through the process of deciding whether or not to charge for the supply of official information, and if so, how much.

  • Fact sheet: Accident Compensation Corporation

    Factsheets
    This fact sheet explains the Ombudsman's role in relation to complaints made against the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Also available in Easy Read format.

  • Fact sheet: Earthquake Commission

    Factsheets
    This fact sheet explains the Ombudsman's role in relation to complaints made against the Earthquake Commission (EQC). Also available in Easy Read format.

  • Fact sheet: Immigration New Zealand

    Factsheets
    This fact sheet explains the Ombudsman's role in relation to complaints made against Immigration New Zealand. Also available in Easy Read format.

  • Fact sheet: Inland Revenue Department

    Factsheets
    This fact sheet explains the Ombudsman's role in relation to complaints made against the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Also available in Easy Read format.

  • Fact sheet: Work and Income

    Factsheets
    This fact sheet explains the Ombudsman's role in relation to complaints made against Work and Income. Also available in Easy Read format.

  • Complaining about goods and services

    This is a teaching resource about the language of complaint. It is for teachers working with people who are not confident speaking and writing English and are free for anyone to use. You can use the leaflets and case studies on this page to help with teaching the topics.

  • Fair treatment for people with disabilities

    Pamphlets and posters
    This pamphlet provides information about the Ombudsman's role under the Disabilities Convention. Available in Large Print and Easy Read formats, plus versions in Te Reo Maori, Hindi, Korean, Tongan, Samoan, and Mandarin. Or, view a short YouTube video in New Zealand Sign Language about fair treatment for people with disabilities.

  • Is it OK to complain?

    This is a teaching resource about the language of complaint. It is for teachers working with people who are not confident speaking and writing English and are free for anyone to use. You can use the leaflets and case studies on this page to help with teaching the topics.