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.
74 Resources Show all
OIA and LGOIMA complaints received between 1 July and 31 December 2023
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) complaints on a six-monthly basis.Chief Ombudsman's Annual Report 2022/2023
Annual reportsThis year I have intensified my efforts to reach out to diverse communities around New Zealand. I have also continued my work to help lift good practices across government. This balance between the public and government is an important part of my independent role as an Officer of Parliament, and the need for me to reach out to both has become even more evident in current times.Chief Ombudsman's Strategic Intentions - 2023 to 2028
Strategic intentionsI will maintain and strive to continually improve my existing practices in the areas of complaints-handling, proactive interventions, examination of places of detention, disability rights, and provision of agency learning and advice.OIA and LGOIMA complaints received between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.OIA and LGOIMA complaints received 1 July - 31 December 2022
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Chief Ombudsman's Strategic Intentions - 2022 to 2027
Strategic intentionsAs Aotearoa New Zealand’s Ombudsman, I give effect to a number of key democratic and human rights measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of people and promoting government accountability and transparency.Chief Ombudsman's Annual Report 2021/2022
Annual reportsWatch the introduction in New Zealand Sign LanguageOIA and LGOIMA complaints received 1 Jan - 30 June 2022
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Inaugural Pūhara Mana Tangata report for 2020/2021
Annual reportsThe Chief Ombudsman’s Māori panel – Pūhara Mana Tangata – has published a report of its first two years in operation.OIA and LGOIMA complaints July - December 2021
Complaints dataThis data lists the Minister or agency involved, the nature of the complaint, and whether the complaint came from a private individual, the media, a political party or other type of organisation.Annual Report 2020/2021
Annual reportsThe global COVID-19 pandemic has continued to dominate our lives in the past year, creating new challenges for us all.Strategic intentions 2021-26
Strategic intentionsAs Aotearoa New Zealand’s Ombudsman, I give effect to a number of key democratic and human rights measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of individuals and promoting government accountability and transparency.Research: Access to government information (2021)
Corporate informationIn September 2021, the Ombudsman New Zealand commissioned a research agency, UMR, to undertake a nationwide online survey of 1,005 New Zealanders aged 18 years and over, to gauge awareness of the Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government OfficOIA and LGOIMA complaints January - June 2021
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis. Complaints receivedFrequently 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.International Development and Engagement Strategy (July 2020 – December 2023)
Strategic intentionsThe International Development and Engagement Strategy has been developed to guide the international work of the Ombudsman from July 2020 to December 2023.OIA and LGOIMA complaints received July - December 2020
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.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.OIA and LGOIMA complaints January - June 2020
Complaints dataThe Chief Ombudsman publishes data on OIA and LGOIMA complaints on a six-monthly basis.Pūhara Mana Tangata Terms of Reference
Advisory groupsThese documents outline the terms of reference for Pūhara Mana Tangata, the Chief Ombudsman's Māori panel.OIA complaints received July – December 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 July – December 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataComplaints completedLGOIMA complaints received July – December 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 July – December 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataComplaints completedLGOIMA complaints received with resolutions January – December 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataThis .CSV file contains a list of all complaints received with resolutions under the LGOIMA since the beginning of 2019.OIA complaints received with resolutions July 2016 - December 2019
Projects, reference & data, Complaints dataThis .CSV file contains a list of all complaints received with resolutions under the OIA for the past three years.Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation between Ombudsman Thailand and the Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand
Protocols with agenciesOn 11 February 2020 the Office of the Ombudsman Thailand and the Chief Ombudsman signed a Memorandum of Understanding, in the interest of fostering international cooperation in the field of complaint-handling, good governance, protection of human rightsAnnual 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.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 completed