John Robertson (ombudsman)

For other people named John Robertson, see John Robertson (disambiguation).

Sir John Fraser Robertson KCMG CBE (3 August 1925 – 1 September 2001) was the Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand from 1986 to 1994. In this role, he was responsible for investigating complaints against central and local government agencies, including Ministers of the Crown.^[1]

Sir John Robertson KCMG CBE
President of the International Ombudsman Institute
In office 1992–1994
4th New Zealand Chief Ombudsman
In office 21 December 1986 – 14 December 1994
Preceded by	Lester Castle
Succeeded by	Brian Elwood
Personal details
Born	3 August 1925
Died	1 September 2001

Career

Robertson began his career as a draughting cadet in the Lands and Survey Department in 1942. He served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in the Pacific during the Second World War. After returning to the public service he qualified as a chartered accountant.^[2] He was a State Services Commissioner, Secretary of Defence and Secretary for Justice before being made an Ombudsman. He was appointed an Ombudsman in 1984, and in 1986 became Chief Ombudsman, holding office until 1994. He was a Director of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) from 1988 and President of the IOI from 1992 until 1994.^[1]

Robertson was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1982 Queen's Birthday Honours.^[3] In the 1994 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.^[4]