Integrity
without borders
Work towards good governance, integrity and human rights across the
Asia-Pacific has been strengthened with a bilateral agreement between
the New Zealand and Thailand Ombudsman Offices.
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier and Ombudsman Thailand General
Viddhavat Rajatanun signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Bangkok
on 11 February, setting out how the two offices will foster international cooperation in  complaint handling, good governance and the protection of human rights.
This includes working together on capacity building programmes such as workshops,
training, study visits and expert exchanges to promote and enhance Ombudsmanship
across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
“In today’s world, resilient and supportive relationships among integrity institutions such as ours are more important than ever” Mr Boshier said at the signing.
“The more we work constructively together, the greater our effectiveness at home and
on the world stage. This agreement has the potential to move Ombudsmanship in our regions to a whole other level”.
The signing took place at an International Seminar commemorating the 20th anniversary
of the Ombudsman Thailand’s establishment. Mr Boshier also took part in a panel session
on Challenges to Ombudsmanship: impacts and solutions in a changing world.
Back to number one
First in the world, equal with Denmark.
This year’s Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index has
restored New Zealand to world leader in the lowest perceived levels of public
corruption. Something to celebrate and maintain.
The annual Corruption Perceptions Index ranks 180 countries and territories on a
scale ranging from 0 (very corrupt) to 100 (very clean). In the Index released this year,
Denmark and New Zealand topped the scale, with both achieving 87/100. More broadly,
Transparency International warns that this year’s Index shows most countries with little
to no improvement in tackling corruption. More than two-thirds of countries score below
50, with an average score of just 43.
“Governments must urgently address the corrupting role of big money in political party
financing, and the undue influence it exerts on our political systems”. Delia Ferreira Rubio,
Chair, Transparency International.
From the Chief Ombudsman
Tēnā koutou
At the International Ombudsman Seminar in Thailand in February, I took part in a panel
discussion about challenges to Ombudsmanship in today’s changing world. In my talk
I set out the three clear challenges that in my view face all integrity institutions across the globe.
First, the need for constant vigilance against the rising threat of corruption.
Second, the need to be heard amid the increasing noise of social media and the
fragmentation of traditional media.
Third, the need to demonstrate our relevance and worth to all the people we serve,
particularly the most vulnerable.
This last challenge is a significant one for my Office. Our motto is ‘fairness for all’—and
all must mean all, with no exceptions. Yet our data shows that many of the people we want
to reach have little, if any, knowledge about my Office. And awareness among youth, Māori
and Pasifika is considerably lower than among older Pākeha.
Reaching these communities is a professional responsibility for my Office, and also a
personal responsibility for me as Chief Ombudsman.
I’ve established my first external advisory board, Pūhara Mana Tangata, to guide and advise
me as I engage with Te Ao Māori.
This engagement is more important than ever, as we increasingly work in areas that greatly
concern and impact on Māori.
It will help ensure that we really do stand by our motto: tuia kia ōrite, fairness for all.
E noho rā
Peter Boshier
Sharing the mahi
for children in care
A series of nationwide hui kicked off in January about the work
underway to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system
and protect the rights of people within it.
The Ombudsman, the Children’s Commissioner and the Independent Children’s Monitor
are visiting cities, towns, and marae from Invercargill to Kaitaia. Twelve hui have been held
through January and February, with seven more scheduled  for March.
“The purpose is to introduce ourselves to local iwi, providers, community groups and
children’s professionals, and start to build the relationships that are so important to
this work”, says Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier.
“We’re fielding plenty of questions and challenges at these hui, with passionate and
committed people determined to create real change for New Zealand’s tamariki and rangatahi”, Mr Boshier says.
“It’s clear we’ll be held to account for what we achieve, and we’re up to the task”.
Mr Boshier says the hui are also a chance to outline just how the system of strengthened
oversight will work:
The Independent Children’s Monitor will monitor the overall Oranga Tamariki system against National Care Standards
Independent Children’s Monitor
The Children’s Commissioner will carry out research and advocacy
Office of the Children’s Commissioner
The Chief Ombudsman will handle complaints and investigations
Office of the Ombudsman
At the hui we’re debuting our new te reo video Ngā mahi a te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata—The work of the guardian of the mana of the people. Check it out on Youtube.
Ngā mahi a te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata.
In case you missed it …
The Department of Corrections refused a journalist’s request for written and audio
correspondence about a death in custody, on the grounds that substantial collation
would be required. The Ombudsman found there was no basis to refuse the request
for this reason, but that the audio recordings should be withheld on the grounds of privacy.
Case note: Request for information about death in custody
A superannuitant was offered a $3000 ex gratia payment from the Ministry of Social Development,
for the financial disadvantage he’d suffered due to an administrative error. The Ombudsman found
this amount was unreasonable in light of the stress and loss suffered, and recommended an additional
payment of $2000.
Case note: Ex-gratia payment for superannuitant in receipt of overseas pension
The State Services Commission refused a request for a detailed breakdown of public service chief
executive pay on privacy grounds. The Ombudsman found that the total pay of public sector chief
executives should be made public, on the grounds of accountability; but on privacy grounds,
‘granular’ detail such as a breakdown of base pay and performance-related components should be withheld.
Case note: Request for information on public service chief executive pay and remuneration
Arise, Sir Robert
Congratulations to Sir Robert Martin, New Zealand’s first knight
from the disability community. Sir Robert received his knighthood
in the 2020 New Year’s honours, for his services to the disabled  community here and overseas.
Sir Robert is an elected member of the United Nations Committee for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. New Zealanders can complain to this Committee if they believe their rights under the Disability Convention have been breached. Sir Robert talks about how to make a complaint in the video below.
Supporting the work of the United Nations
Not a game of hide and seek:
the sequel
As election year gets underway, the Chief Ombudsman is revisiting a
landmark report to see what progress agencies have made in official
information practice.
“Five years ago, my predecessor Dame Beverley Wakem released Not a game of hide
and seek, an in-depth investigation into  central government official information practice”,
says Peter Boshier.
“With the election fast approaching, it’s timely for me to follow up on what’s changed since the report was published. I want to ensure agencies are meeting their obligations under the Official Information Act and are operating in a culture of openness”.
Read more about the follow-up investigation to Not a Game of Hide and Seek
Read our official information practice reports
 Office of the Ombudsman
Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata
Contact us: 0800 802 602 or info@ombudsman.parliament.nz
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