Official Information Act
Lifting the lid on lobbying, ministers - and the media
An RNZ investigation lifted the lid this week on lobbyists and how they communicate with politicians outside the public gaze or official oversight. But it also raised questions for the media about how… Audio
Behind the story: The secrecy around how we police the police
RNZ investigative journalist Guyon Espiner explains to The Detail the secretive the workings of our police watchdog, the Independent Police Conduct Authority. Audio
Can we fix the OIA?
Stuff has launched a series looking at shortcomings in the official information act. Our panellists - both of whom have worked as journalists - weigh in with their thoughts and experiences. Audio
Zac filed an OIA and it came painted black
RNZ reporter Zac Fleming finally received a 99-page Official Information Request from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment ... and it was completely blacked out. Video, Audio
International student influx - less skilled permanent residents
New Zealand's new permanent residents are now less skilled than five years ago because some international students are using the student visa scheme to get residence. There has been plenty of debate… Audio
Politicians can't hide behind private email - Ombudsman
The Ombudsman has sent a message to politicians they cannot hide from the Official Information Act using private email addresses and phones.
One man controlling most of NZ Indian student market
Immigration officials suspect one man is controlling most of the multi-million-dollar Indian student market in New Zealand. RNZ education reporter John Gerritsen explains the details. Audio
Simon Bridges 'vindicated' over OIA ruling
The Transport Minister says a report clearing him of trying to improperly influence officials gave him "some sense of vindication".
Bridges defends his officials' stance on OIA request
Cabinet minister Simon Bridges says it's important the public have faith in the Government's commitment to being open and accountable but he's sticking by his officials' objections to Kiwirail… Audio
John Key's blogger ties remain in the dark
Three years ago, John Key admitted he kept in touch with certain bloggers. Then Nicky Hager’s Dirty Politics lifted the lid on other government ministers leaking to them. Newstalk ZB’s Felix Marwick… Audio
DHBs told to speed up official information responses
The State Services Commission is pointing the finger at district health boards over the time they are taking to answer Official Information Act requests.
Police, Corrections have most OIA complaints
Police and Corrections are the two most complained about agencies when it comes to releasing information to the public.
Ombudsman working to improve public sector responses to OIA req
The new ombudsman, Judge Peter Boshier, is working with the State Services Commissioner to address long delays in responses to Official Information Act requests. Audio
Conservation group claims kauri email win
A Northland conservation group is claiming a win in its battle to force officials to release more information about New Zealand's trade in kauri timber.
The right to know - and to find out
World Press Freedom Day highlighted the plight of journalists who put life and liberty on the line. But while reporters in New Zealand don’t often face the threat of jail or death, that doesn’t mean… Audio
The watchdog and the rottweilers
Journalists have long complained that their Official Information Act requests are deliberately delayed and subject to political interference, but a review of the law - the largest ever - by the… Audio
OIA report shows interference, opposition parties
An investigation into how requests for official information are dealt with has shown a culture of political interference, opposition parties say.
Government agencies on notice over OIA
An inquiry into the the Official Information Act has found some ministerial officials have tried to limit the scope of what's released. Audio
Getting it out in the open: reviewing the OIA
Journalists often complain their requests for the release of official information are stalled for no good reason. The Prime Minister has admitted his ministers do this sometimes if it is in the… Audio
Court decision could change OIA responses
The High Court in Wellington has found the Trade Minister acted unlawfully in the way he rejected requests for information about the trans-Pacific trade negotiations. Audio