Privacy Commissioner - Te Mana Matapono Matatapu

Introduction to complaints

The Commissioner can investigate complaints about actions that may be a breach of the privacy principles in the Privacy Act. She can also consider matters that may breach other provisions of the Privacy Act.

Before you make a formal complaint to us:

• Contact the agency and let it know what the problem is. Agencies can often sort out problems quickly and satisfactorily without the need for us to get involved.
• All agencies are supposed to have a privacy officer (someone who is familiar with the Act, and with the agency’s information handling practices). So if you’re unsure who could help you, this is a good person to ask for. See our list of privacy officer contact details.
• Call our enquiries line. The enquiries staff can also help you if you need to know more about the complaints process, the Act, or the work of the Office generally.

If you’ve decided you want to lodge a complaint:

• See The Complaints Process. This includes the forms and contact details you need to make your complaint.
• Check our Frequently Asked Questions.
• For further information on the law, see our detailed section on the Privacy Act (and related legislation), search our case notes, or browse through our News and Publications.