Dealing with government agencies How to challenge government agencies’ decisions and get information from them What this chapter covers Limitations on the government: your minimum rights The Bill of Rights and international human rights law – what it is, when it matters,…
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Limitations on the government: your minimum rights The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act (BORA) What BORA is and when it matters What is the Bill of Rights Act (“BORA”)? New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, s 3 The New Zealand…
Limitations on the government: Your minimum rights International human rights law International obligations New Zealand is party to a number of treaties and conventions that recognise universal human rights. It’s generally expected that New Zealand will act within the limitations set by…
Limitations on the government: Your minimum rights If the government has breached BORA or international human rights law If you think BORA or your rights under international law have been breached there are a few ways to get help. You can complain…
Dealing with government agencies Challenging decisions and conduct of government agencies This section is intended to help you understand your rights when dealing with government departments and other public bodies, like Work and Income, Inland Revenue, Housing New Zealand and the Accident…
Challenging decisions and conduct of government agencies The Ombudsman: Watchdogs over government Overview of the Ombudsman’s role Who is the Ombudsman? Ombudsmen Act 1975, ss 3, 13 The office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints from members of the public about the decisions or…
Challenging decisions and conduct of government agencies Help from officials overseeing specific areas Specialist commissioners and authorities that can help There are a number of specialist bodies or officials that have been appointed under an Act to oversee and hear complaints about…
Challenging decisions and conduct of government agencies Going to the courts: “Judicial review” Overview of judicial review Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 If a government agency or official has made a decision affecting you under a power granted to them by an…
Challenging decisions and conduct of government agencies Challenging departmental policies It’s common for government departments to use policies and procedures to guide them when they use the decision-making powers given to them by legislation. These are published in the form of policy…
Dealing with government agencies Getting information from the government You have the right to access certain information held by government departments and other public bodies and officials: Information that’s about you – The Privacy Act 2020 gives you the right to access…
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