LGOIMA Official Info & Privacy Requests - Wellington

Making an official information or privacy request in Wellington, Wellington Region is governed by local practice and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act. This guide explains how to request council-held information, the office responsible, typical steps, and your review and complaint options in Wellington.

Overview

Requests for council information or access to personal information can be made by any person. The council assesses requests under LGOIMA and the Privacy Act, balancing public interest and privacy protections.

• Include a clear description of the information you want and any relevant dates or file references.
• Provide a contact email or postal address and a daytime phone number to speed correspondence.
• Ask for a preferred format (electronic copy, scanned documents, hard copy) and delivery method.

Penalties & Enforcement

The controlling statute is the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987^[1] which sets the legal framework for access and review.

• Monetary fines or specified penalty amounts for failure to supply official information: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation for repeat or continuing non-compliance (first/repeat/continuing): not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions and remedies may include directions or orders by the Ombudsman and court remedies.
• Enforcer and complaints: the Office of the Ombudsman handles complaints about official information and meetings; Wellington City Council manages initial requests and internal reviews.
• Appeals and review routes: complain to the Ombudsman or seek judicial review; statutory time limits for internal responses are set by LGOIMA or the Privacy Act as applicable.
• Defences and discretion: exemptions and withholding grounds (privacy, commercial sensitivity, legal privilege) are applied by reference to the Act.

Applications & Forms

Wellington City Council publishes guidance on how to make an official information request and the preferred contact points on its official information pages; if no specific downloadable form is required, follow the council guidance and supply the required details when you apply via the listed channels Wellington City Council official information page^[2].

• Form name/number: not specified on the cited page if no form is published.
• Fees: any charges for copying or delivery are set by council policy; specific amounts are not specified on the cited page.
• Submission methods: follow the council page for email, online form or postal addresses.

Action steps

• Identify the records and timeframe you need and gather any reference numbers.
• Send a clear written request to the council contact shown on the official information page.
• If urgent, state why and include contact details for rapid clarification.
• If your request is refused or partly refused, ask for an internal review and note complaint routes with the Ombudsman.

FAQ

How long will the council take to respond?

The statutory timeframe is set by the governing Acts; check the council guidance and the Act for exact working-day limits or any extension process.

Do I have to pay to make a request?

Making a request is normally free but the council may charge for copying, postage or retrieval under its fee policy; check the council guidance.

What if the council refuses my request?

You can request an internal review and, if unsatisfied, complain to the Office of the Ombudsman or seek judicial review.

How-To

1. Prepare a written request describing the information sought and include your contact details.
2. Submit the request using the council method listed on the official information page.
3. Wait for the council acknowledgement and any clarifying questions; respond promptly to reduce delay.
4. If costs are quoted, consider whether to accept charges or narrow the request to reduce fees.
5. If refused, request an internal review and consider complaint to the Ombudsman.

Key Takeaways

• Be specific in your request to speed processing.
• Use council contact points for submission and queries.
• Internal review and Ombudsman complaint are available if you disagree with a decision.

Help and Support / Resources

• Wellington City Council - Official information requests
• Wellington City Council - Privacy
• Wellington City Council - Contact us
• Office of the Ombudsman (New Zealand)

1. [1] Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (legislation.govt.nz)
2. [2] Wellington City Council - Official information requests (wellington.govt.nz)