Oranga Tamariki said its response time fell "far short of the expectations". Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Oranga Tamariki has apologised to RNZ and made changes to how it handles information requests.
RNZ was seeking information about children's homes and tech projects in March 2023, and got an answer in March 2024.
RNZ complained to the Ombudsman about the late Official Information Act or OIA response, which is meant to take 20 working days.
The Children's Ministry in an "apology letter" said it got held up by its numerous business units checking back with each other when answering the questions.
"The delay you experienced was due to the way this request was handled. I acknowledge that this is unacceptable and falls far short of the expectations outlined under the Act and of our organisation," deputy chief executive of quality practice and experiences, Nicolette Dickson, said.
"While this was done in the interest of ensuring a cohesive and complete response, this process often became cyclical in that updates from one business unit would require agreement from others.
"This has been highlighted as a point of failure."
OT had made changes to stop this from happening again, she said.
This included improving "visibility" around OIA requests and accountability for late items as well as setting up key contact points in each unit, Dickson said.
"I have also worked with my DCE colleagues to ensure that each of us is prioritising timely, accurate and helpful responses to OIA requests within our own areas of responsibility."
The agency said it conducted OIA training each month for the team that coordinated responses.