Official Information Act (OIA) Requests: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to request access to government-held information and what you should expect during the process.
This scheme allows you to ask government agencies for information they hold. It is a tool used to ensure transparency and public accountability in New Zealand.
Who it's for
Any person in New Zealand can make a request for information.
What you get
You gain access to information that is held by government agencies. This allows you to see data and documents used by the government.
What it costs you
The process is free. However, you will need to spend time drafting your request and following up with the relevant agency.
The catch to know
Government agencies are often allowed to take the full 20 working days to provide a response, so you should plan for a bit of a wait.
How to apply
- Identify which government agency holds the information you need.
- Write a request clearly stating what information you are looking for.
- Send your request to that specific agency.
- Monitor your communications for a response or any requests for clarification.
For more information, visit https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz