Ombudsmen's services available to community sector
Anyone who believes they have been unfairly treated by a government agency can complain to the Ombudsmen.
Under the Ombudsmen Act, the Ombudsmen can investigate complaints about the actions and decisions of state sector agencies and crown entities. This includes central government departments such as the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice, etc. It also includes local government agencies such as councils, district health boards, school boards and other education institutions.
The Ombudsmen's services are free. The Ombudsmen are independent and they do not take the side of either the complainant or the government agency. The Ombudsmen aim to find out the truth and try to resolve complaints during the investigation process, if possible. If following an investigation a complaint is upheld, an Ombudsman may make a recommendation to remedy the complaint.
The Ombudsmen Act establishes certain limits on the otherwise sweeping jurisdiction of an Ombudsman. Ombudsmen cannot investigate:
- if there is a statutory right of appeal to a Court or Tribunal
- complaints about the actions of Ministers or politicians
- private individuals or businesses
- decisions of courts and tribunals.
If you have a complaint, start by contacting the relevant agency's complaint handling area to try and resolve the problem. If you have not tried the agency first, the Ombudsman will not usually commence an investigation until a complainant has raised concerns with the agency.
To make a complaint or to discuss your problem, contact the Ombudsmen's office:
- Freephone 0800 802 602
- E-mail complaint@ombudsmen.parliament.nz
- In person or in writing to PO Box 10-152, Wellington 6143
- Via the online complaint form on the website.
More information about the Ombudsmen is at: http://www.ombudsmen.parliament.nz