New Zealand Ombudsman reports significant increase in complaint resolutions

Chief Ombudsman John Allen has released the Office of the Ombudsman’s Annual Report 2025/26 and Strategic Intentions 2026-31. The report indicates a significant increase in complaints performance, with the office completing 11,700 complaints during the 2025/26 period, a 43% increase from the previous year.

The office achieved a clearance rate of 109%, meaning it processed more complaints than it received, effectively reducing the total number of complaints on hand. Additionally, 48% of cases were resolved before reaching a Final Opinion, up from 34% the prior year. The office also provided 2,593 remedies to address individual complaints and improve public administration, representing a 64% increase over the previous year.

Looking forward, the Strategic Intentions document outlines goals for the next five years, focusing on driving improvements in the public experience of government, strengthening accountability, and addressing systemic issues within the public sector.