iSAYSO
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Parliament Buildings
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
Re: Request for Parliamentary Oversight – Ombudsman Process Integrity
Greeting Mr Speaker,
I respectfully raise a concern regarding the procedural integrity of the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to a complaint in which sworn affidavit evidence had been filed and served on New Zealand Police Prosecution.
The Office has declined to respond to process-based questions as to whether that sworn affidavit evidence was obtained and considered prior to reaching its conclusion, relying on its position that it is not subject to the Official Information Act 1982.
I do not challenge the constitutional independence of the Ombudsman. Rather, the concern is narrow and procedural:
• Whether relevant sworn evidence was obtained
• Whether it was considered before a conclusion was reached
If such material evidence was not obtained or considered, this raises an issue of procedural fairness and administrative integrity.
Given that the Ombudsman is accountable to Parliament as an Officer of Parliament, I respectfully request that this matter be referred to the appropriate parliamentary oversight mechanism for review of process integrity.
This request concerns process only and is made in the public interest.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Info <[email protected]>
Date: Mar 2, 2026 at 1:35 PM
To: F Q <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Oia
Tēnā koe Tracy
As has been explained to you, the Ombudsman is not subject to the Official Information Act 1982.
We do not intend to respond to your questions below.
Nku noa, nā
Erin Nickless
Acting Manager – Intake, Assessment and Triage
Office of the Ombudsman | Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata
Phone 0800 802 602 | Phone 04 473 9533
Email [email protected] | www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
PO Box 10152, Level 7, SolNet House, 70 The Terrace, Wellington
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From: F Q <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, 9 January 2026 1:39 pm
To: Info <[email protected]>
Cc: Records <[email protected]>; Claims 2 <[email protected]>
Subject: OiaOmbudsman
This request is made under the Official Information Act 1982.
Please provide the following information:
1. On what date did your office first receive notice that an affidavit sworn by Brigitta Maas had been filed and served on New Zealand Police Prosecution.
2. Did your office obtain and review that affidavit before reaching its conclusion in this matter.
3. If yes, please identify where that consideration is recorded.
4. If no, please explain why sworn affidavit evidence was not obtained or considered prior to reaching your conclusion.
5. Please provide any records relied upon by your office when reaching its conclusion in this matter.This request concerns process only.
By:Tracy Lynch
Attorney acting under instructionInLandsSeaWater Counsel – Private Trust