Complaints an Ombudsman can't investigate
Under the Ombudsmen Act, an Ombudsman cannot investigate complaints about:
- private individuals, lawyers, Members of Parliament or privately-owned companies;
- decisions made by courts or tribunals;
- decisions made by the Parole Board;
- decisions made by a full Council (however, an Ombudsman can investigate complaints about the advice provided to a full Council by Council employees); or
- government Ministers. However, an Ombudsman can investigate complaints about:
- advice provided to government Ministers by government agencies;
- decisions made by government Ministers on requests for official information.
An Ombudsman does not investigate complaints about the Police (unless your complaint relates to a request for official information). Complaints about the conduct of the Police are dealt with by the Police Complaints Authority (www.ipca.govt.nz).
An Ombudsman cannot investigate your complaint if you have a right of appeal or review to a Court or Tribunal on the merits of your case, unless there are special circumstances that make it unreasonable for you to use those appeal rights.
If we are not able to investigate your complaint, we will tell you why and may direct you to other complaint handling bodies that may be able to assist.
If you are unsure whether an Ombudsman can investigate your complaint, please contact us to discuss your complaint with one of our investigating staff.