Story: Ombudsmen and officers of Parliament

The three officers of Parliament – the ombudsman, the controller and auditor-general, and the parliamentary commissioner for the environment – help to ensure accountability of government officials in New Zealand. Each officer has investigative, auditing and advisory functions and is independent of the government.

Story by David McGee
Main image: Dispute between the Crown Law Office and the ombudsman, 2003

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There are three officers of Parliament in New Zealand:

  • the ombudsman
  • the controller and auditor-general
  • the parliamentary commissioner for the environment.

Role of officers of Parliament

Officers of Parliament are appointed by the governor-general to carry out inquiries and reviews on government activity. They are responsible to Parliament, but politically neutral. The officers cannot be dismissed by the government if it disagrees with a decision.

Ombudsman

The position of ombudsman was created in 1962. The main purpose of the ombudsmen’s office is to mediate between citizens and the state about:

  • maladministration (bad or unfair practice by government departments)
  • providing official information
  • whistleblowing (when state employees report what they see as bad or illegal practices by their employer)
  • inspecting detention facilities, such as prisons.

The success of the ombudsman in New Zealand has led many other countries to introduce something similar.

Controller and auditor-general

The auditor-general looks into the spending of public funds by central and local government. He or she provides audit (inspection) and assurance about accountability to Parliament, and carries out performance audits and inquiries. The auditor-general's enquiries sometimes spark controversy.

Parliamentary commissioner for the environment

The office of parliamentary commissioner for the environment (PCE) was established in the 1980s to provide independent advice. The PCE investigates and reports on environmental issues, and also makes submissions on policy and legislation.

How to cite this page:

David McGee, 'Ombudsmen and officers of Parliament', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/ombudsmen-and-officers-of-parliament (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by David McGee, published 20 June 2012, updated 20 January 2017