Peter provided an informative insight into the Office of the Ombudsman.  He began his term as Chief Ombudsman on 10 December 2015.  Prior to this, Peter was a Law Commissioner with the New Zealand Law Commission and was also a Family Court Judge. There is a team of three supported by approximately 70 staff located Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Their role is to act independently and to fundamentally help the community. The Ombudsman is an impartial investigator; it does not have an advocacy role.  The Ombudsman handles complaints and investigates the conduct of state sector agencies, including in relation to official information requests.  The Office also carries out a range of roles that go toward protecting our rights, like monitoring places of detention, and the implementation of the UN Disabilities Convention.  Along with this they provide advice, guidance and training to state sector agencies, and work to build awareness of their  role in the wider community.