Whether it's the Privacy Commissioner commenting on Google's collection of payload data from Wi-Fi networks during its street-view filming, or the Chief Coroner raising concerns that media are breaching restrictions by reporting details of apparent self-inflicted deaths, the work of the men and women who work to protect our rights as citizens is challenging and often highly emotive. In this article we continue our series on the relationship between citizens and the state and consider the role independent commissioners and other 'guardians' play in protecting our rights