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The Inspector-General can investigate complaints or disclosures in relation to the activities of the New Zealand Defence Force.

Make a complaint

Purpose of the IGD

The IGD:

  • Provides the Minister of Defence with dedicated independent oversight of the Defence Force;
  • Assists the Minister of Defence to account accurately to the House of Representatives for the Defence Force’s activities; and
  • Assures the public that there is independent scrutiny of Defence Force activities including in relation to New Zealand’s obligations under international law.

Functions of the IGD

Section 8 of the Inspector-General of Defence Act 2023 sets out the functions of the IGD:

  • Investigate incidents that have occurred in the course of activities of the Defence Force; and any subsequent acts or omissions of the Defence Force in relation to those incidents.
  • Assess, and identify potential improvements or additions to, Defence Force policies and procedures governing activities of the Defence Force.
  • Any other function conferred on the Inspector-General by this Act or any other legislation or rule of law.

The IGD can look into any Defence Force matter either on the Inspector-General’s own initiative (including information obtained under section 10 or Part 4 of the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022), or at the request of the Minister of Defence, the Secretary of Defence, or the Chief of Defence Force.