Advice on privacy law and official information requests
Why These Laws Matter
Privacy and information laws protect people’s rights, guide transparency, and build public trust. For organisations, getting these rules right means protecting relationships as well as meeting legal obligations. With the right advice, compliance becomes part of how your business shows accountability and care.
That’s where clear, practical legal advice can make all the difference.
Understanding Privacy and Information Law
The Privacy Act 2020 and the Official Information Act 1982 set out how information must be collected, stored, and shared in New Zealand.
Our lawyers help you understand your responsibilities under both Acts and apply them in practice. We make complex rules simple so you can act with confidence when handling personal or official information.
What We Help With
We advise on all aspects of privacy and information law, including how to:
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Respond to access and correction requests under the Privacy Act or OIA
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Draft and review privacy statements, internal policies, and data handling procedures
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Manage complaints, investigations, and potential breaches
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Clarify what must or must not be disclosed under law
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Prepare or negotiate information sharing agreements between organisations
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Provide staff training and internal guidance to reduce risk and improve compliance
Tailored Privacy Law Support
Every organisation handles information differently. We tailor our advice to your structure, the type of data you manage, and the level of compliance you need.
We work with:
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Businesses managing customer or employee information
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Public sector agencies responding to official information requests
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Service providers and contractors who manage information for others
Our advice is practical, plain English, and focused on giving your team confidence in everyday decisions.
Why Organisations Choose Gibson Sheat
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Experience across both public and private sectors
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Clear, actionable guidance that explains what the law means for you
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Local support in Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, with nationwide reach
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A proactive approach that helps prevent issues before they arise
Where We Work
We support clients throughout New Zealand, with local teams in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Masterton. Many of our clients also work with us remotely, allowing consistent, timely advice wherever they are based.
Questions We Often Get Asked About Privacy and Information Law
What is the difference between the Privacy Act and the OIA?
The Privacy Act regulates how organisations handle personal information. The OIA gives people the right to request official information from public agencies. Both aim to promote transparency and trust and can apply at the same time.
Do I have to respond to every information request?
Not always. Some requests can be refused for legal, confidentiality, or security reasons. We can help you assess each case and prepare clear, compliant responses.
What should I do after a data breach?
Contain the issue, record what happened, and seek immediate advice. In many cases you will need to notify the Privacy Commissioner and affected individuals. Acting quickly helps limit exposure and maintain trust.
How can I reduce privacy risks in my organisation?
Start by having clear internal policies, staff training, and a process for handling requests or breaches. We can help you build a compliance plan that fits your organisation and keeps your data management consistent and secure.
