How do I make a complaint about Corrections?

You can complain to Corrections about their response to your records request

If you want to make a complaint about how your records request was handled by the Department of Corrections (Corrections), you can complain to them. 

You can: 

• submit a PC.01 prisoner complaint form or talk to the prison staff (if you are in prison). This can be made in confidence to unit staff or directly to prison management.
• email:
  • Corrections’ privacy team at: privacyteam@corrections.govt.nz or
  • Ministerial Services team at info@corrections.govt.nz
• have a support person make a complaint on your behalf. The support person could be a whānau member, friend, advocate or social worker. 

If you are unhappy with the Department of Corrections’ (Corrections) response to your complaint, you can contact the the Privacy Commissioner or the Ombudsman.

When to make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner 

The Privacy Commissioner deals with complaints about your rights to access and correct your personal information.  

For example, you can make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner if you are unhappy with Corrections' response to your complaint about redacting the wrong information from your records. The Privacy Commissioner will only investigate your complaint if you have made a complaint to Corrections first. 

Learn how to make a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner. 

When to make a complaint to the Ombudsman

The Ombudsman deals with complaints about government agencies.

For example, you could make a complaint to the Ombudsman if you are unhappy with Corrections' response to:

• your complaint about: 
  • their explanation about why they redacted information in your records 
  • their decision not to give you access to records about a deceased whānau member
• your request for a whānau member's records. 

Find out how to make a complaint to the Ombudsman.