This transparency statement explains how we collect, use and share information gathered about members of the public or other entities (directly or indirectly) in accordance with the State Services Commission’s Information Gathering Model Standards.
The Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) does not have any law enforcement or regulatory compliance responsibilities, and does not gather any information for these purposes. The purpose of HDC is to promote and protect the rights of consumers as set out in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, and to facilitate the fair, simple, and efficient resolution of complaints relating to infringements of those rights. HDC can gather any information we think will assist us in carrying out our purposes and functions under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.
The security of our premises is managed in accordance with our obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and in accordance with our health and safety policy. The security of our information is managed in compliance with the Privacy Act 2020, the Official Information Act 1982 and the Public Records Act 2005 and in accordance with relevant policies. The information we hold is used only for the purpose for which it is collected or as otherwise advised, including as described in our privacy policy.
Note where we have serious concerns regarding potential threats to the physical security of staff, or the security of information or places, we will engage an appropriate authority (such as the NZ Police).
Should we identify a need to gather information in scope of the model standards in future, we will ensure compliance with Information Gathering Model Standards, and update this transparency statement.
This statement applies to information gathered by us, our contractors, or any other third parties engaged by us.
Enquiries and complaints
If you have any enquiries about our information gathering activities, or believe we have not acted in accordance with this statement, you should contact us at the following address: hdc@hdc.org.nz