Access to our research and data

We support research that helps improve outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities. However, we also carefully assess every request for access to our data, because of our statutory duty of care.

If you want access to research information that is not available to the public, you need to make a formal research access request.

You must submit a formal research access application if you want to:

• contact Oranga Tamariki clients, their whānau, or kaimahi (current or past)
• access any personal information we hold about them.

Personal information is anything that can identify a person, even if their name isn’t used, for example, details like an address that can still identify someone.

Who can apply

You can apply if you’re a researcher based in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas researchers with a New Zealand affiliation, including:

• university or wānanga researchers
• postgraduate students
• international visiting researchers
• Oranga Tamariki kaimahi doing work-related research
• researchers from other government agencies
• commercial research organisations.

Before you apply

All applications must have full ethics approval from a recognised ethics committee.

How we assess applications

We consider:

• the potential impact on clients, whānau, communities, and kaimahi
• the research’s value to Oranga Tamariki
• research quality, design, and researcher experience
• how well privacy, security, consent, and data protection issues are addressed.

What to include

It’s important we have all the information we need to assess your application as quickly as possible.

Examples of important supporting documents to include with your application are:

• consent forms and participant information sheets
• your ethics application to a recognised ethics committee
• ethics approval confirmation
• letters of support.

If your application is approved, you also need to complete a safety check and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Timeframes

Once we receive your completed application and all required documents, the approval process usually takes 8–12 weeks.

It may take longer if we need more information, so please apply early and allow enough time in your research plan for the RADA process.

How to apply

1. Complete our research and data access application form [PDF, 204 KB]
   
   
2. Email your completed application form and supporting documents to: rada@ot.govt.nz

We don’t accept hardcopy applications unless agreed beforehand.

We recommend contacting RADA first to make sure your application is ready.

Contact: rada@ot.govt.nz

Other types of requests

RADA doesn’t handle requests from individuals for their own information. For these, please see the Contact us page or email: myrequest@ot.govt.nz

Requests for non-personal data (aggregate information) or Official Information Act requests are managed through: Official Information Act | Oranga Tamariki — Ministry for Children