Request letter builder

Write a request for the personal information an organisation holds about you, a correction request, or a follow-up when they miss the deadline.

Your data: Runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Sources: 6 cited

Anyone can ask any New Zealand organisation, public or private, for the personal information it holds about them. You don't need to give a reason or mention the Privacy Act, but naming it helps the request reach the right person. The Privacy Commissioner also runs AboutMe, which sends requests for you. Use this builder if you would rather keep a copy, send it yourself, or need a correction or follow-up letter.

What do you need? Ask for a copy of my information Ask them to correct information Chase a request they haven't answered

You and them Your full name How they should reply to you An email address or postal address. Other details that help them find your records Customer or account number, staff number, previous names, date of birth. Only what's needed. Organisation's name

What you want Which information Leave blank to ask for everything. Being specific usually gets a faster answer. I'd like an electronic copy Tell me where they got any information they didn't collect from me I need this urgently Why it's urgent For example, a hearing date, a job offer deadline or a tenancy application.

Your letter

After you send it

Send it to the organisation's privacy officer if you can find one. Every agency must have one. Otherwise, use its general contact address.
Keep a copy and note the date it was received. The deadline calculator works out the 20 working-day limit.
They may ask you to prove who you are before releasing anything. That's normal and protects you.
Public sector agencies generally can't charge for access. A private sector agency can only charge in limited cases, must tell you in advance, and the charge must be reasonable.
They can withhold some information for reasons the Act lists, but they must tell you what they withheld and why, and that you can complain to the Privacy Commissioner.

Sources

Privacy Act 2020, s 44 (responding to an IPP 6 request within 20 working days)NZLII. Checked 19 October 2026.
Privacy Act 2020, s 7 (interpretation, including 'working day')NZLII. Checked 19 October 2026.
Ask for your informationOffice of the Privacy Commissioner. Checked 19 October 2026.
Correct your informationOffice of the Privacy Commissioner. Checked 19 October 2026.
AboutMe (Request My Info tool)Office of the Privacy Commissioner. Checked 19 October 2026.
Complain to the Privacy CommissionerOffice of the Privacy Commissioner. Checked 19 October 2026.

Something wrong or out of date? Tell us or edit this page on GitHub. General information, not legal advice.