As part of a series of reviews across both central and local government, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has today published his final opinion on Local Government Official Information Meetings Act (LGOIMA) compliance and practice at Auckland Council.
Responding to the opinion, Auckland Council Chief Executive Stephen Town said:
“Within the council, we promote a strong culture of openness and transparency, not just with LGOIMAs, but with everything we do, and it is encouraging that this has been highlighted by the Ombudsman.
“With reference to our LGOIMA obligations specifically, we make concentrated efforts to continuously improve our processes, managing and recording our public information requests. Again, I am pleased to see this, along with the expertise and professionalism of staff, has been recognised as areas of particular strength. However, I acknowledge and agree that there are still more improvements that can be made.
“One area I agree needs enhancing is guidelines concerning the redaction of staff names in information we supply. Where I am confident we have a robust policy of obscuring (where necessary) information and names of staff for reasons of safety and security, I believe clearer guidance material is appropriate in this area.
"A second concern raised is around our Review Group. When a member of the public makes a LGOIMA request, they have the right to receive the correct thorough information in a timely manner.
"In a large organisation, our Review Group is key to this process ensuring transparency, efficiency and commitment to our legislative obligations. This group currently includes a representative from the Mayor’s office and this is another area of concern that was raised in the final opinion. Our next step is now to develop a work plan that addresses these points.”