You do not have to go through the redress process alone.
You can choose to have another person support you during the process.
This may be a whānau member, caregiver, advocate, support person, lawyer, or another trusted person.
An Authority to Act form allows that person to communicate with the State redress service or agencies on your behalf.
This page explains when an Authority to Act form may be needed, what it allows someone to do, and how to appoint a representative.
About an Authority to Act
An Authority to Act is your written permission for another person to act on your behalf in relation to your State redress claim.
It allows the State redress service and agencies to communicate with your nominated representative about your claim and, where you have authorised it, share information with them.
You can choose:
- what information can be shared with your representative
- what actions they can take on your behalf
When you may need an Authority to Act
You may need an Authority to Act if you want another person to:
- communicate with the State redress service on your behalf
- receive information about your claim
- help manage the process
You do not need an Authority to Act if someone is simply providing support or attending meetings with you.
If you are represented by a lawyer, an Authority to Act form is not usually required.
If you are unsure whether an Authority to Act is needed, please contact the State redress service.
What an Authority to Act allows
If you appoint a representative, they may be able to:
- receive information about your claim
- communicate with the State redress service and agencies on your behalf
- provide information relating to your claim
- help you understand information and decisions
- support you through the redress process
You can decide what information can be shared and what your representative can do on your behalf.
Who can be your representative?
You choose any person you trust to support you:
- a whānau member
- a family member
- a caregiver
- an advocate
- a support person
- a lawyer or legal representative
- another trusted person
Your representative should be someone you trust, feel comfortable discussing your claim with, and are happy to receive information about your claim.
If someone needs help making decisions
Some people may need help managing their claim or making decisions because of illness, injury, disability, age, or other personal circumstances.
If this applies, it may be possible for another person to act on their behalf.
The State redress service can explain what information or documents may be required.
Changing or removing an Authority to Act
You can change or remove an Authority to Act at any time.
If you wish to change your representative or remove their authority, please contact the State redress service.
We will explain what information is needed and what happens next.
Your privacy
We will only share information with your representative if you have given permission through an Authority to Act, or if we are allowed or required to do so by law.
Any information shared with your representative will continue to be managed in line with privacy laws and information-sharing requirements.
For more information, see the Privacy and Information Sharing page.
Completing an Authority to Act form
If you would like someone to communicate with the State redress service or agencies on your behalf, you can complete an Authority to Act form.
Download the Authority to Act form.
If you are not sure whether you need an Authority to Act form, please contact the State redress service.
Contact the State redress service
If you have questions about appointing a representative or completing an Authority to Act form, please contact the State redress service.
A member of the team can:
- explain the process
- discuss your circumstances
- answer any questions you may have
Phone: 0800 110 886
Phone from overseas: +64 4 910 9886
Email: contact@info.redress.govt.nz
Post:
State redress service
State Redress NZ
PO Box 1556
Wellington 6140