They:

• handle complaints and investigates the administrative conduct of state sector agencies, including in relation to official information requests (OIAs)
• examine and monitor the treatment of people in places of detention eg in prisons, immigration detention facilities, and secure care in hospitals
• monitor how NZ is promoting and protecting all persons with disabilities under the UN Disabilities Convention
• provide advice to people who want to report serious wrongdoing in their workplace eg unlawful, or corrupt behaviour (whistle-blowers)
• encourage good administration in government by giving feedback and training to agencies.