A9.5 Official Information Act 1982 (26/07/1999)

Official Information Act ss.28 and 35

It is a function of the Ombudsmen to investigate and review any decision by a Department or Minister to:
- refuse to release official information in response to a request
- decide in what form information is released
- decide what charge to make
- impose conditions on the use, communication or publication of information
- extend any time limit
- provide or refuse to provide a statement of reasons under section 23 of the Official Information Act
After investigation the Ombudsman will report his opinion to the NZIS (or to the Minister if the complaint is about the Minister) and the NZIS (or the Minister must comply with the recommendation within 20 working days unless before then the Governor-General directs otherwise by Order in Council.

Effective 26/07/1999