Records requests: New Zealand.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · India · Philippines.

Moraph for Good · Voice

Records requests: New Zealand

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/records-requests

In many places you have a legal right to ask public bodies for the information they hold. This sheet covers how to ask clearly and what to do next.

Before you ask

Check the body’s website, meeting papers and any disclosure log.
Work out which body holds the records.

Writing your request

Describe the records you want, plainly and specifically.
Give dates and the format you’d like.
Ask for records, not answers to questions.
Keep a copy and note the date you sent it.

Deadlines and fees

Time limits and fee rules depend on the country and the body: see the country section.
Ask for an estimate before any charges, and narrow the request to reduce them.

If you’re refused

The reply should say why and how to ask for a review.
Ask for a review promptly, then go to the independent body if needed.

In New Zealand

Your right. The Official Information Act lets New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and anyone who is in New Zealand request official information held by government agencies.
How to ask. Write to the Minister, department or other body that holds the information, so you have a copy of your request, and be clear about what you want. If you ask the wrong agency or your request is unclear, it can’t be rejected for that reason: the agency must help you word it or find the right organisation.
Deadline. Requests are normally answered within 20 working days. The time can be extended, but you must be told why. For OIA requests, 25 December to 15 January does not count as working days.
Costs. You can be charged, but the fee has to be reasonable. Usually there is no charge for the first hour spent on your request or for the first 20 pages of photocopying.
If you’re refused. You can complain to the Ombudsman if your request is turned down and you don’t think there was a good reason, or if an extension doesn’t seem fair. The Ombudsman can also investigate complaints about councils.

Official places to check:

Govt.nz: www.govt.nz/browse/engaging-with-government/request-information-from-the-government
Ministry of Justice: www.justice.govt.nz/about/official-information-act-requests
Govt.nz: www.govt.nz/browse/engaging-with-government/complain-about-a-government-department/complain-to-the-ombudsman

More free official help in New Zealand: moraph.org/commons/help/civic-engagement/nz

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 20 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/records-requests