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Welcome
to the 5th International Conference of Information
Commissioners.
New Zealand had the opportunity and honour to host the 5th International Conference of Information Commissioners in Wellington, on 26-29 November 2007.
Legislation providing rights of access to official information is a subject which challenges the governing institutions of a rapidly increasing number of countries. In 2007 New Zealand celebrated the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Official Information Act and the conference, amongst other things, provided an opportunity to see what can be learnt from this experience and taken forward into the next 25 years. It is apparent that no matter how long-standing the rights of access are, new challenges always arise - from developments in technology to the evolution of governance arrangements and shifts in how public services are provided. How Freedom of Information laws can assist the improvement of governance in less developed nations is now part of mainstream development policy and this issue was focussed on in another part of the conference.
While the annual conference for Information Commissioners and Ombudsmen from around the world is primarily a forum for those who regulate and enforce access to information laws, it also provides an opportunity for others with an international interest in freedom of information to meet and discuss issues relating to these laws. The conference succeeded in enabling this larger community to share experience and ideas with all conference participants, renew old friendships and make valuable new contacts – thereby enriching the whole of the FOI community.
This website provides access to the papers and presentations delivered at the conference – including video recordings - of all the open sessions of the conference. We hope that these will provide valuable food for thought for those working or studying freedom of information.
Thank you for your interest in what was a productive and memorable conference.
Regards,
Beverley A. Wakem
Chief Ombudsman
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