BackThe Chief Ombudsman’s latest self-initiated investigations into official information practices will include two council-controlled organisations for the first time.
Peter Boshier has announced investigations of Auckland Transport and Wellington Water along with the Wellington City Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Marlborough District Council.
Mr Boshier says it is time to look at big infrastructure providers like Auckland Transport and Wellington Water because they provide so many essential services for millions of New Zealanders.
“Auckland Transport is responsible for cycling, roading, public transport and parking in New Zealand’s biggest city while Wellington Water delivers water services across the Wellington region,” he says.
“These entities, known as Council Controlled Organisations or CCOs, have the same freedom of information obligations as any other local body.
“CCOs have a huge impact on people’s daily lives. It is really important for residents to have open and transparent access to information about the decisions that affect them.”
Mr Boshier says the investigations into the two CCOs and three councils are part of a regular programme of looking at Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) practice and compliance at local authorities.
“I have completed proactive investigations into the official information practices of 18 councils since I began this work in 2018.”
Mr Boshier says he’ll be conducting surveys of staff at each organisation and members of the public as part of this work.
“As with all of my investigations, I will be looking for examples of good practice and areas that can be improved, including whether the leadership of each organisation has established a culture of openness, and whether staff responsible for responding to official information requests have been given the right training and guidance.
“I will also look at their meeting practices including any informal meetings and workshops where I feel they are relevant.”
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Source: The National Ombudsman of New Zealand
