Official Information Act Requests in NZ (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) lets anyone request information held by government agencies — ministries, councils (under the parallel LGOIMA), Crown entities. The starting principle is that official information should be released unless there's good reason to withhold it.
You don't need a special form: a clear request by email or letter is enough (s 12). The agency must respond as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than 20 working days (s 15). It can withhold information only on specified grounds (such as privacy, legal privilege, or commercial sensitivity), and must tell you the reason. If you're refused, delayed, or charged unreasonably, you can complain to the Ombudsman, who reviews the decision independently.
When does it apply?
- You want documents, data or decisions held by a government body.
- A public agency made a decision affecting you and you want the reasoning.
- You're researching how public money or power was used.
What to do to make an OIA request
- Send a clear written request describing the information you want.
- Note the 20-working-day deadline.
- Ask for reasons if information is withheld.
- Complain to the Ombudsman if you're refused, delayed, or over-charged.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't use the OIA for your own personal file — that's a Privacy Act request.
- Don't accept a blanket refusal — withholding must be justified by a specific ground.
About Data Privacy & Digital Rights in New Zealand
New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020 gives you real control over your personal information through 13 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs). You can access what an organisation holds about you (IPP 6) and ask it to correct mistakes (IPP 7), usually free and within 20 working days. Organisations that suffer a serious data breach must notify the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) and affected people. Complaints go to the OPC and, if needed, the Human Rights Review Tribunal, which can award damages. Government-held information is accessed under the Official Information Act 1982, and online harm is handled under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015.
OPC: 0800 803 909. Online harm (Netsafe): 0508 638 723.
Common Questions
What is the official information act requests right in New Zealand?
The Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) lets anyone request information held by government agencies — ministries, councils (under the parallel LGOIMA), Crown entities. The starting principle is that official information should be released unless there's good reason to withhold it.You don't need a special form: a clear request by email or letter is enough (s 12). The agency must respond as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than 20 working days (s 15). It can withhold information only on specified grounds (such as privacy, legal privilege, or commercial sensitivity), and must tell you...
When does it apply — official information act requests?
You want documents, data or decisions held by a government body.A public agency made a decision affecting you and you want the reasoning.You're researching how public money or power was used.
How do I make an OIA request in New Zealand?
Send a clear written request describing the information you want.Note the 20-working-day deadline.Ask for reasons if information is withheld.Complain to the Ombudsman if you're refused, delayed, or over-charged.
What should you NOT do — official information act requests?
Don't use the OIA for your own personal file — that's a Privacy Act request.Don't accept a blanket refusal — withholding must be justified by a specific ground.