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.
148 Resources Show all
International Ombudsman Self-Assessment Tool
GuidesThis tool is designed to help Ombudsman offices to benchmark their functions and capabilities against regional and international best practice.Getting support and making a complaint in the Oranga Tamariki system
Pamphlets and postersA guide to advocacy, monitoring and complaints for tamariki (children), rangatahi (young people) and their whānau (family).Ombudsman Quarterly Review Summer 2024
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Ombudsman Quarterly Review for Summer 2024 is out now. In this issue:Waka Tangata: APOR E-news (December 2023)
Waka TangataISSUE 12: News and views from integrity organisations in the Pacific and AustralasiaProtected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 guide for Ministers
Protected Disclosures ActThis guide provides information and guidance for Ministers who may receive protected disclosures.When to contact the Ombudsman about natural disaster insurance complaints
FactsheetsToka Tu Ake EQC provides natural disaster damage insurance for residential buildings and some residential land.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Spring 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)In this issue the Chief Ombudsman calls for council workshops to be open by default; the Ombudsman’s new accessibility strategy; an overview of the Ombudsman’s engagements both locally and abroad; and a round up of the most popular guides on our website.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Winter 2023 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now. In this issue:Our children in care complaint process – adult view
FactsheetsThis diagram shows how to make a complaint about Oranga Tamariki or one of its Care or Custody Providers.Our children in care complaint process – child view
FactsheetsThis diagram shows a simplified view of our complaints process, which is designed for children and young people in the Oranga Tamariki system.OIA self-assessment tool
Official informationThis self-assessment tool is one of a number of initiatives from the Chief Ombudsman's office providing support and assistance to lift public sector capability in order to improve the administration, decision-making and compliance with official informatChief Ombudsman’s opinion on OIA complaints about the refusal of Covid-19 vaccine contracts
Official informationSummary The Ministry of Health, Minister for COVID-19 Response, and Minister of Finance received multiple OIA requests for copies of the contracts between the Government and pharmaceutical companies for the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.Waka Tangata: APOR E-news (June 2023)
Waka TangataWarm Pacific greetings from a cold and rainy Melbourne, where winter is fast approaching but, as with all Ombudsman offices large and small, in hot and cold climates, the work continues unabated.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Autumn 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Autumn 2023 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now.Getting ready - Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act implementation
FactsheetsThe Ombudsman is committed to being in a stronger position to consider complaints, investigate and monitor serious and significant issues. Read this factsheet to see how the Ombudsman has prepared for this role.FAQs about official information requests during or following extreme emergency event
Official informationThis guide answers questions about dealing with official information requests during or following extreme emergency events. It:Factsheet: Chief Ombudsman’s role examining and monitoring aged care facilities
FactsheetsNew Zealand has made an international commitment to make sure detained people are being treated in the right way and are living in a humane environment.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Summer 2023
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)In this issue: a first for a NZ Ombudsman at Waitangi, an illuminating piece from the architect of the Official Information Act, international news from integrity organisations in the Pacific and Australasia, new case notes and more.Removing barriers: Reasonable accommodation of disabled people in Aotearoa
Disability rightsThis guide explains what 'reasonable accommodation' is and how to do it. Available in EasyRead, Te Reo Maori and New Zealand sign language.FAQs: official information requests during a general election period
Official informationThis guide answers questions from agencies and requesters about dealing with official information requests during the general election period. It:Waka Tangata: APOR E-news (December 2022)
Waka TangataResources
GuidesThis page provides resources for fellow Ombudsmen and integrity institutions that may be of use in developing their own practices.Waka Tangata: APOR E-News
Waka TangataBiannual news and views from integrity organisations in the Pacific and AustralasiaOmbudsman Quarterly Review Spring 2022
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Spring 2022 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now. It includes Govt agencies receive OIA report card, Oranga Tamariki’s “litany of failures” in Malachi Subecz case, Ombudsman’s disability rights role featured at the UN, 60 years of the Ombudsman in NZ, and more.Ombudsman Quarterly Review Winter 2022
Ombudsman Quarterly Reviews (OQR)The Winter 2022 Ombudsman Quarterly Review is out now. It includes an opinion piece from Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier on the OIA and LGOIMA, Mr Boshier’s submission to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission, a systemic investigation into the use of workshops by local councils is announced, and a stronger approach to delay deemed refusal complaints.He rauemi tātaki ea – A resource for offering an effective apology
GuidesPeople have the right to expect a high standard of administration by central and local government agencies. They expect agencies to act legally, fairly, and in a timely manner, and to be treated with respect in a way that is culturally appropriate.Guidance on when to engage the Ombudsman in law reform proposals
GuidesThis guidance sets out why and when an Ombudsman should be engaged in law reform process and the Ombudsman's view on some key questions that are likely to arise.Disability Rights: How is New Zealand doing?
Disability rightsThis summary report updates the Committee, and the New Zealand Parliament and public, with recent information on the priority areas that prevent disabled people in New Zealand from realising their full suite of human rights as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Checklist – Am I ready to make a protected disclosure?
Protected Disclosures ActThis checklist will assist if you are considering making a protected disclosure about serious wrongdoing in your workplace, or wondering whether you need more information and guidance.Checklist: Protecting whistleblower confidentiality
Protected Disclosures ActThis checklist will assist if you or your organisation has received a protected disclosure about serious wrongdoing in your workplace.Information for residents' point of contact: Upcoming inspection by the Chief Ombudsman’s team
FactsheetsA letter to residents of aged care facilities where the Chief Ombudsman is carrying out an inspection.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.