As New Zealand prepares for the 2026 General Election, Transparency International New Zealand is inviting every candidate and sitting Member of Parliament to answer ten questions on integrity, transparency and accountability.
New Zealand continues to rank well internationally for integrity, but that reputation cannot be taken for granted. Public confidence depends on transparent decision-making, effective accountability, and confidence that public office is exercised in the public interest.
Elections provide an opportunity not only to debate policy, but also to discuss the standards of integrity that underpin our democracy.
The questions cover ten issues that TINZ believes deserve greater public discussion:
- Lobbying & Influence – Do you support a register of lobbyists in New Zealand? Why or why not?
- Beneficial Ownership & Corporate/Trust Transparency – What more can the government do, if anything, to improve transparency of trust and company structures?
- Political Donations & Party Funding – What changes, if any, are needed to political donation rules, including donation caps or earlier disclosure, and why?
- Corruption Risk – What do you think are the biggest corruption risks facing New Zealand today?
- Parliamentary Processes – The use of urgency is increasing. When do you think urgency is justified?
- Executive Power – Do Ministers have too much power, the right amount, or not enough?
- Wealth, Inequality & Democracy – OECD research shows that public trust in political parties in New Zealand stands at 36%. Does this concern you? Why or why not?
- Influence – Around half of New Zealanders believe the government is largely run by a few big interests. What is your response?
- Accountability & Conflicts of Interest – When a Minister or MP breaches the rules, do the current consequences deal with that appropriately?
- Personal Commitment – What one integrity or transparency reform would you commit to championing in the next Parliament, regardless of your party's position?
TINZ will send these questions to all list and electorate candidates. We hope they encourage thoughtful discussion about strengthening New Zealand's integrity system and help voters better understand where candidates stand on these important issues.
Candidates are encouraged to publish their responses on their own websites or social media channels and to share them with their constituents. We want to highlight integrity this year, and to advocate for all parties to set out their commitments to transparency, accountability and integrity.
Where candidates choose to respond, TINZ may publish their answers or links to them, to help voters compare perspectives on integrity and transparency issues. Our aim is not to endorse particular positions, but to encourage informed public discussion and greater accountability during the election campaign.
