The Chief Ombudsman has published four new guides relating to the Official Information Act 1982.

One of the guides is on withholding grounds in the OIA and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 that relate specifically to commercial information. 

Another looks at situations where one reason for withholding information is to protect the ability of agencies to negotiate effectively. The guide looks at section 9(2)(j) of the OIA and how it works.

The third guide looks at how the OIA applies to information about public tender processes.

The fourth guide provides information about how to consult third parties before making a decision on an OIA request. The Office of the Ombudsman says agencies should note that there has been a change in its advice about whether to disclose the requester's identity during consultation with a third party. This has changed after consultation with the Privacy Commissioner.