Part 1.2 - High-Level Objectives of the Vote

Objectives of the Vote

The appropriations in Vote Ombudsmen help fulfil Parliament's intent through the Ombudsmen Act 1975, the Official Information Act 1982, the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the Crimes of Torture Act 1989, the Protected Disclosures Act 2000, the Land Transport Act 1998 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and make an important contribution to the maintenance and enhancement of "open" government within New Zealand. Specifically, the Ombudsmen contribute to strengthening the New Zealand system of democracy through improved public administration and access to official information, and enhanced public confidence in government administration. The dissemination of information assists the public in understanding and participating in government administration. The overall outcome sought is that people feel that they are treated fairly in their dealings with New Zealand government agencies.

The appropriations will purchase the independent investigation of complaints:

Under the Ombudsmen Act 1975:

• made by the public arising from any act, omission, decision or recommendation relating to a matter of administration and affecting any person or body of persons in his/her/its personal capacity by any government agencies at central, regional or local level
• by an Ombudsman of his/her own motion
• from prisoners in penal institutions including selected serious incidents and the monitoring of death in custody investigations conducted by Inspectors of Corrections, and
• concerning the rights of person with disabilities.

Under the Official Information Act 1982 and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987:

• about decisions on requests for access to official information held by any Minister of the Crown, or any government agencies at central, regional or local level, and where justified, the recommendation of appropriate remedial action to resolve those complaints.

Under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989:

• fulfilling the requirements as "National Preventive Mechanism" for prisons, mental health, immigration detention facilities and residences established under section 364 of the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989, and
• reporting annually to Parliament in respect of inspections undertaken under the Act.

Under the Protected Disclosures Act 2000:

• to provide an employee who has made, or is considering making, a protected disclosure, information and guidance on the application of the legislation, and
• where a protected disclosure is made to an Ombudsman in their capacity as an "appropriate authority", to take such action on the matter as prescribed in the Act.

Under the Land Transport Act 1998:

• the Secretary for Transport must consult the Ombudsmen on applications for authorisation to access personal information held on the motor vehicle register.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:

• protecting and monitoring New Zealand's implementation of the Convention.

For further information on the intended impacts, outcomes and objectives of the Office of the Ombudsmen please see the Office's 2012-2015 Statement of Intent.