Wellington Official Information (LGOIMA) Guide

Business and Consumer Protection Wellington Region 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wellington Region

Introduction

This guide explains how to make and manage Official Information requests under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) in Wellington, Wellington Region. It summarises the council process, timescales, who enforces access and how to complain or appeal. Use this page to prepare a clear request, find the correct council contact and understand likely outcomes and next steps.

Making a request

Any person may request official information from Wellington City Council. Requests should be clear and specific about the information sought and include contact details and a preferred format for the response. The council provides an online request form and contact details for submitting requests and enquiries[1].

  • How to submit: use the council online form or email the official information address listed on the council page[1].
  • Timescale: standard statutory timeframe is set by the Act; see the Act and council guidance for exact counting rules and extensions[3].
  • Contact: use the council contact details on the official information page for queries and status updates[1].
Be as specific as possible about dates, projects and file references to speed up processing.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies for LGOIMA matters are primarily administrative rather than criminal. Complaints about refusal, delay or failure to release information are usually investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman, which can make recommendations to the council. Monetary fines for failing to comply with LGOIMA are not specified on the cited pages for Wellington City Council and the Ombudsman guidance[1][2].

  • Primary enforcer: Office of the Ombudsman for complaints and investigation; the council administers initial requests[2][1].
  • Fines: specific monetary penalties for non-compliance are not specified on the cited council or Ombudsman pages; see the Act for any statutory offences[1][2][3].
  • Escalation: common escalation is internal review, then complaint to the Ombudsman; escalation timelines and specific stepwise fines are not specified on the cited pages[1][2].
  • Non-monetary remedies: Ombudsman recommendations, orders to release information, and administrative findings; the Ombudsman can report to Parliament in serious cases[2].
  • Appeals/review: complain to the Ombudsman if unsatisfied with the council response; time limits for lodging complaints are not specified on the cited council page and guidance should be checked on the Ombudsman site[1][2].
  • Defences/discretion: the council may withhold information where LGOIMA exemptions apply (privacy, commercially sensitive information, legal privilege) and may extend timeframes where consultation or consultation with third parties is required; specific discretionary wording appears in the Act[3].
If a request is unclear the council may ask you to clarify before processing.

Applications & Forms

The council publishes an online official information request form and contact email for submissions; the council page provides the form link and instructions for attachments and preferred formats[1]. Fees for processing or copying are addressed on the council page where applicable; if not stated, the council and the Act should be consulted for charging rules[1][3].

Common issues and practical steps

Many delays come from broadly framed requests or requests requiring large-scale searches. Follow these action steps to reduce friction.

  • Action step: identify date ranges, project names, file references and preferred formats when you submit a request.
  • Action step: keep copies of your request and any council responses, including dates, for possible complaint or appeal.
  • Action step: if refused or partially refused, request the councils reasons in writing and ask for an internal review before contacting the Ombudsman.
Keeping a clear paper trail makes Ombudsman complaints simpler to assess.

FAQ

How do I make an official information request to Wellington City Council?
Submit the council online official information request form or email the official information contact shown on the council page; include clear details of the information you want and your contact details[1].
How long will the council take to respond?
Timeframes are set by the relevant Act; consult the council guidance and the Act for exact counting rules and any statutory extensions[1][3].
What can I do if Im unhappy with the councils response?
Ask the council for an internal review, and if still dissatisfied complain to the Office of the Ombudsman using their official complaints process[1][2].

How-To

  1. Draft your request with specific dates, project names and file references.
  2. Submit via the council online form or official email address and record the submission date.
  3. Note the council response date and check whether any extension has been notified.
  4. If refused, ask for written reasons and request an internal review from the council.
  5. If internal review is unsatisfactory, lodge a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Key Takeaways

  • Be specific in requests to speed up processing and reduce scope for refusal.
  • The Act sets statutory timeframes; consult council guidance and the Act for details.
  • If unsatisfied, the Office of the Ombudsman handles complaints and can recommend release.

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