MBIE may be forced to apologise to individuals over flaws in the MIQ allocation system after an investigation found it acted unreasonably.
The Chief Ombudsman launched the review after gettting 270 complaints, many with common themes.
It found while MBIE, the lead agency for MIQ, was working with complex issues in a high stakes environment, the system caused immense stress and frustration for tens of thousands of people trying to enter NZ It concludes MBIE's advice on the design and administration of MIQ allocations failed to give sufficient emphasis to individual circumstances and prioritisation.
It also did not ensure adequate ways for users with disabilities to access the online allocations.
Chief Ombudsman, Judge Peter Boshier, talks through the details with Lisa Owen.
