Sharples' office too slow: ruling

A complaint about the slow release of information by the office of Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has been upheld by the Office of the Ombudsmen.

The ruling, from Ombudsman David McGee, came after a complaint from the Herald on Sunday.

The newspaper had asked for information from Sharples' office through the Official Information Act, which gives public bodies 20 working days to respond.

The legislation is aimed at making the process of government more open.

Sharples' office was late supplying the information and McGee concluded there was "a failure to meet the requirements imposed" by the act.

Sharples has since written to the McGee to "express regret" about the delay.