{"id":204092,"date":"2021-03-23T16:08:57","date_gmt":"2021-03-23T03:08:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?p=204092"},"modified":"2026-01-07T14:23:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T01:23:18","slug":"what-is-the-ombudsman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you or your business has an issue with a public sector body or agency and its conduct, the Ombudsman in New Zealand is an important entity to consider. The Ombudsman has a range of powers to investigate suspected wrongdoing by public bodies. It can also negotiate on behalf of New Zealanders to achieve more positive outcomes. You can raise a complaint about a range of different public bodies through the Ombudsman. This article will set out:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>what the Ombudsman is;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how the complaint process works; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what issues it may be able to help you and your business with.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What or Who Is the Ombudsman?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ombudsman appears to refer to a specific person. However, it generally refers to the wider office of the Ombudsman. Although there is a \u2018Chief Ombudsman\u2019. They have primary responsibility for the Ombudsman and serve a five-year term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ombudsman is an independent entity. It has broad powers to handle complaints and investigate the administrative conduct of public sector agencies, including official information requests. Further, it is not part of the government. It is occasionally appointed by Parliament to investigate specific complaints about public-sector agencies. Additionally, the staff are not public servants and are also independent of the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you or your business has a sensitive complaint, you can rest assured that the Ombudsman (in terms of all staff) take an oath of confidentiality about all information related to your complaint. They will only disclose information if you allow or consent for them to do so.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does the Complaint Process Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone can complain to the Ombudsman, including on behalf of a business. Additionally, complaints are free and can concern any act or decision by a government agency or other public body. You can also make complaints remotely if you are outside of New Zealand. However, one common precondition is that you have already tried to raise your complaint with the public body.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n    <p>Generally, you should first try to resolve your issue with the public body. Then you can turn to the Ombudsman if you cannot resolve your original complaint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>What they will actually do after receiving a complaint depends on the nature of the issue. The vast majority of complaints are resolved quickly and informally. This is done by the Ombudsman communicating with the public body you are complaining about. However, they have more serious powers as well, including the power to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>investigate and even to enter government premises;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>require information and documents to be produced on-demand; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>summon witnesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Time limits may apply to some complaints to the Ombudsman. It is advisable to raise concerns promptly to ensure they can be properly investigated and resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"my-7 lg:my-10 border-y-2 border-gray-100 py-7 lg:py-10 flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-start gap-10\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-52 mx-auto my-0! rounded\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/22210201\/guide-to-resolve-business-disputes-560x792-1.jpg\" alt=\"Front page of publication\"\n                 loading=\"lazy\" width=\"208\" height=\"298\">\n                <section>\n            <div class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Guide to Resolving NZ Business Disputes<\/div>\n            <div class=\"body-text\">\n                <p>Commercial disputes are costly, stressful and can damage your business reputation. LegalVision\u2019s free Guide to Resolving NZ Business Disputes can help.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            \n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/go.legalvision.co.nz\/guide-resolving-nz-business-disputes.html\" class=\" block px-5 py-3.5 max-w-fit bg-orange button__hover transition rounded text-white font-bold text-lg no-underline uppercase leading-tight text-center\" target=\"\" rel=\"\">Download Now<\/a>        <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+64800005570\" class=\"not-prose\">0800 005 570<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you within one business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left gform_input_bg_white    \">\n    <script>\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+\"_\"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),\"filter\"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});\n<\/script>\n\n                <div class='gf_browser_gecko gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework lawyer-form_wrapper gplaceholder_wrapper form-with-labels-no-asterisks_wrapper has-new-validation-error-styling_wrapper' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_2452' style='display:none'><div id='gf_2452' class='gform_anchor' tabindex='-1'><\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data' target='gform_ajax_frame_2452' id='gform_2452' class='lawyer-form gplaceholder form-with-labels-no-asterisks has-new-validation-error-styling' action='\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204092#gf_2452' data-formid='2452' novalidate>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_2452' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><div id=\"field_2452_15\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_15'>URL<\/label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_15' id='input_2452_15' type='text' value='' autocomplete='new-password'\/><\/div><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_2452_15'>This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_1'>First Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_1' id='input_2452_1' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_12\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_12'>Last Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_12' id='input_2452_12' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--input-type-email gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_2'>Email Address<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_email'>\n                            <input name='input_2' id='input_2452_2' type='email' value='' class='medium'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"  \/>\n                        <\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-phone gfield--input-type-phone gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_3'>Phone<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_phone'><input name='input_3' id='input_2452_3' type='tel' value='' class='medium'   aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_14\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full custom-select gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_14'>Number of Employees in Your Business<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_select'><select name='input_14' id='input_2452_14' class='large gfield_select'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" ><option value='' ><\/option><option value='0' >0<\/option><option value='1' >1-5<\/option><option value='6' >6-20<\/option><option value='21' >21-50<\/option><option value='51' >51-250<\/option><option value='250' >250+<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea gfield--input-type-textarea gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_4'>Tell us about your enquiry<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_4' id='input_2452_4' class='textarea medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_5\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-html gfield--input-type-html gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  >By submitting this form, you agree to receive emails from LegalVision and can unsubscribe at any time. View our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. <\/div><div id=\"field_2452_8\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_8' id='input_2452_8' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='http:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204092' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_13\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_13' id='input_2452_13' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='generic_form' \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class='gform-footer gform_footer top_label'> <button type=\"submit\" id=\"gform_submit_button_2452\" class=\"gform_button button\" onclick=\"gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);\" data-submission-type=\"submit\"><span class=\"gform_submit_button__text\">Submit Now<\/span><\/button> <input type='hidden' name='gform_ajax' value='form_id=2452&amp;title=&amp;description=&amp;tabindex=0&amp;theme=gravity-theme&amp;hash=8d907caff460821c366ed2411b0c45b3' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_2452' value='iframe' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_2452' id='gform_theme_2452' value='gravity-theme' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_2452' id='gform_style_settings_2452' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_2452' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='2452' \/>\n            \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_currency' data-currency='AUD' value='8ykH60YO24G7NoJRpmCrMgvAWdMrFOv5blSLmVjNxfObmabQcVHBn65cbBnUB1XfzVojmGpsicI+s6S+Ojc\/wZdvrji9M4srVc5Po7bYJhrpbGA=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_2452' value='WyJ7XCIxNFwiOltcIjIyODY0N2ViMWU3NTcxZjA4YTY4NGJmMDcwMTk3Y2I0XCIsXCJiMzk3YmQ1MDBmMmFjNjk1ODE4MzdmNTBhYTA2MzQ0OFwiLFwiNGYyNGZkZGEwMzlkNDUxMWFhZGE1NGYwZmQwZmNiZTdcIixcIjUyMmJkMDE2M2I2ZmEwOTI3NDZhZjU5YTg0ZmM1NDk5XCIsXCIzODRlNjk1YjQxMTAzMWFiYmQ2ODEyMGYyZWFhMDYyNlwiLFwiYjkzNDcwNTE2MjkxOGRjZWViMjQzNzRjNmE0NGVmNTlcIixcIjQxMTliODZhMzVjYzJiMWViNDZiMmQ4NjRlNGUzZmNjXCJdfSIsIjQ3MjNiMzA2ZDIyZGVkODA2N2YyMjYyOThkYzI1ODVmIl0=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_2452' id='gform_target_page_number_2452' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_2452' id='gform_source_page_number_2452' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <\/form>\n                        <\/div>\n\t\t                <iframe style='display:none;width:0px;height:0px;' src='about:blank' name='gform_ajax_frame_2452' id='gform_ajax_frame_2452' title='This iframe contains the logic required to handle Ajax powered Gravity Forms.'><\/iframe>\n\t\t                <script>\ngform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 2452, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_2452').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_2452');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_2452').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){form_content.find('form').css('opacity', 0);jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_2452').val();gformInitSpinner( 2452, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [2452, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_2452'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_2452').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [2452]);window['gf_submitting_2452'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_2452').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_2452').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"2452\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_2452\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_2452\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_2452\" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 2452, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"content-next\"><!-- scroll anchor --><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens After an Investigation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the Ombudsman completes an investigation, they will form an opinion about whether the public body acted fairly and reasonably. If they find the agency acted inappropriately, they can submit formal recommendations to remedy the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Issues Can the Ombudsman Help With?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary role of the Ombudsman is to investigate complaints against public bodies, but they also have other important responsibilities. For instance, they can investigate any unfairness or unreasonable treatment against you or your business, even when it involves a public body to some extent. They cover a wide range of issues, including most public bodies other than the police and government ministers. For instance, the Ombudsman can investigate any:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>government agency;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>local council, including city, district or regional councils;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>district health board;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>university or other tertiary education institution; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>school board of trustees.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ombudsman is relevant if you or your business have suffered from an unsatisfactory <em>Official Information Act<\/em> request. You can complain to them and seek a fresh response from the relevant public body if so.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it is important to understand the Ombudsman&#8217;s limitations. There are certain areas where they do not have the power to investigate complaints, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>private sector entities, such as businesses, individuals or private training providers;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>legal practitioners;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>members of parliament;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>decisions made by a full council, court or <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/disputes-tribunal\/\">tribunal<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>police matters or actions by government ministers (though they can investigate these if the complaint concerns an official information request).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also the body to help if you or your business have any concerns or issues relating to the <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/disability-confident-organisation-in-nz\/\">care of disabled people<\/a>. There are three partners of New Zealand\u2019s Independent Monitoring Mechanism, which include the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ombudsman;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human Rights Commission; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disabled People\u2019s Organisations\u2019 Coalition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Complain About the Ombudsman Itself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are dissatisfied with how the Ombudsman has handled your complaint or treated you, you can raise concerns directly with them. Contact the staff member handling your case, or email the appropriate team with your case reference number. The Ombudsman will investigate and respond within six weeks. Possible outcomes include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>explanations;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>apologies; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reconsideration of decisions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ombudsman is a person and their wider office. They are responsible for holding public sector agencies and other public bodies accountable, including local councils, universities and district health boards. Further, if you or your business have not been treated fairly by a public body, you can raise a complaint with the Ombudsman. It has various powers, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>investigating suspected wrongdoing by public bodies; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>driving positive solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>LegalVision provides ongoing legal support for\u00a0all businesses<strong> <\/strong>through our fixed-fee legal membership. Our experienced lawyers help businesses in various<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>industries to manage contracts, employment law, disputes, intellectual property and more, with unlimited access to specialist lawyers for an fixed monthly fee. To learn more about LegalVision\u2019s legal membership, call <a href=\"tel:+64800005570\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0800 005 570<\/a> or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.com.au\/membership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visit our membership page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1767744150554\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is the Ombudsman?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It is an important institution that helps New Zealanders when they have a complaint about, or have been mistreated by, a public agency. It has a range of powers designed to ensure the New Zealand public sector acts fairly and reasonably.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1767744161347\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Does it cost money to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, making a complaint or seeking other advice is free.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1767744168399\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is the Ombudsman a part of the government, or an independent entity?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It is independent and impartial, with the authority to investigate alleged wrongdoing by public-sector agencies or individuals.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"90c4126e1b\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204092\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand?\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you or your business has an issue with a public sector body or agency and its conduct, the Ombudsman in New Zealand is an important entity to consider. The Ombudsman has a range of powers to investigate suspected wrongdoing by public bodies. It can also negotiate on behalf of New Zealanders to achieve more<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13518,"featured_media":201695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[25,54,612,698,699],"class_list":["post-204092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-disputes-and-litigation","tag-small-business","tag-medium-business","tag-complaint","tag-ombudsman","tag-public-bodies"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand? | LegalVision New Zealand<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is the Ombudsman? How does the complaint process work and what issues might they be able to help you with? This article explains.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand? | LegalVision New Zealand\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What is the Ombudsman? How does the complaint process work and what issues might they be able to help you with? This article explains.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"LegalVision New Zealand\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-03-23T03:08:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-07T01:23:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1753\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1169\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Natalie Casey-wyness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Natalie Casey-wyness\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Natalie Casey-wyness\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/d5feb46f79dfb2915413528a527da0dc\"},\"headline\":\"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand?\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-03-23T03:08:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-07T01:23:18+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\"},\"wordCount\":1022,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"small business\",\"medium business\",\"complaint\",\"ombudsman\",\"public bodies\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Disputes and Litigation Articles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\",\"name\":\"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand? | LegalVision New Zealand\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-03-23T03:08:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-07T01:23:18+00:00\",\"description\":\"What is the Ombudsman? How does the complaint process work and what issues might they be able to help you with? This article explains.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744150554\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744161347\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744168399\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg\",\"width\":1753,\"height\":1169,\"caption\":\"Issue Shares for Your Company in NZ | LegalVision New Zealand\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Disputes and Litigation Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/category\/disputes-and-litigation\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/\",\"name\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\",\"description\":\"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in NZ with a commitment to innovation\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization\",\"name\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png\",\"width\":400,\"height\":400,\"caption\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/LegalVision_law\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/legalvision-group\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/d5feb46f79dfb2915413528a527da0dc\",\"name\":\"Natalie Casey-wyness\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Natalie-Casey-Wyness-96x96.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Natalie-Casey-Wyness-96x96.png\",\"caption\":\"Natalie Casey-wyness\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/author\/nataliecaseywyness\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744150554\",\"name\":\"What is the Ombudsman?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It is an important institution that helps New Zealanders when they have a complaint about, or have been mistreated by, a public agency. It has a range of powers designed to ensure the New Zealand public sector acts fairly and reasonably.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744161347\",\"name\":\"Does it cost money to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No, making a complaint or seeking other advice is free.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744168399\",\"name\":\"Is the Ombudsman a part of the government, or an independent entity?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It is independent and impartial, with the authority to investigate alleged wrongdoing by public-sector agencies or individuals.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand? | LegalVision New Zealand","description":"What is the Ombudsman? How does the complaint process work and what issues might they be able to help you with? This article explains.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand? | LegalVision New Zealand","og_description":"What is the Ombudsman? How does the complaint process work and what issues might they be able to help you with? This article explains.","og_url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/","og_site_name":"LegalVision New Zealand","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","article_published_time":"2021-03-23T03:08:57+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-01-07T01:23:18+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1753,"height":1169,"url":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Natalie Casey-wyness","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_site":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Natalie Casey-wyness","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/"},"author":{"name":"Natalie Casey-wyness","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/d5feb46f79dfb2915413528a527da0dc"},"headline":"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand?","datePublished":"2021-03-23T03:08:57+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-07T01:23:18+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/"},"wordCount":1022,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg","keywords":["small business","medium business","complaint","ombudsman","public bodies"],"articleSection":["Disputes and Litigation Articles"],"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/","name":"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand? | LegalVision New Zealand","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg","datePublished":"2021-03-23T03:08:57+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-07T01:23:18+00:00","description":"What is the Ombudsman? How does the complaint process work and what issues might they be able to help you with? This article explains.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744150554"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744161347"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744168399"}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/11151111\/the-climate-reality-project-Hb6uWq0i4MI-unsplash.jpg","width":1753,"height":1169,"caption":"Issue Shares for Your Company in NZ | LegalVision New Zealand"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Disputes and Litigation Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/category\/disputes-and-litigation\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"What is the Ombudsman in New Zealand?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/","name":"LegalVision New Zealand","description":"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in NZ with a commitment to innovation","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization","name":"LegalVision New Zealand","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png","width":400,"height":400,"caption":"LegalVision New Zealand"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","https:\/\/x.com\/LegalVision_law","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/legalvision-group"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/d5feb46f79dfb2915413528a527da0dc","name":"Natalie Casey-wyness","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Natalie-Casey-Wyness-96x96.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Natalie-Casey-Wyness-96x96.png","caption":"Natalie Casey-wyness"},"url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/author\/nataliecaseywyness\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744150554","name":"What is the Ombudsman?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It is an important institution that helps New Zealanders when they have a complaint about, or have been mistreated by, a public agency. It has a range of powers designed to ensure the New Zealand public sector acts fairly and reasonably.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744161347","name":"Does it cost money to lay a complaint with the Ombudsman?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, making a complaint or seeking other advice is free.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/disputes-and-litigation\/what-is-the-ombudsman\/#faq-question-1767744168399","name":"Is the Ombudsman a part of the government, or an independent entity?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It is independent and impartial, with the authority to investigate alleged wrongdoing by public-sector agencies or individuals.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204092","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/13518"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=204092"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204092\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":229749,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204092\/revisions\/229749"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/201695"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=204092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=204092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=204092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}