On December 9th 2025, the world marks International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD). This year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, highlights the vital role of young people in building fairer, more transparent societies.
For New Zealand, this day is both a celebration of our strong integrity systems and a reminder of the vulnerabilities that persist. While we are fortunate to live in a country where accountability and transparency are valued, complacency still leaves us exposed to fraud, weak oversight, and global corrupt networks.
Why Youth Leadership Matters
Globally, 1.9 billion young people represent nearly a quarter of the population. They are disproportionately affected by corruption—through underfunded schools, limited job opportunities, and restricted access to healthcare and public services. Yet they are also uniquely positioned to lead change.
- Digital innovation: Young innovators are harnessing AI and blockchain to expose corruption and enable secure whistleblowing.
- Ethical leadership: Youth engagement in business and governance strengthens accountability and sets higher ethical standards.
- Global advocacy: From climate justice campaigns to grassroots activism, young guardians of integrity are demanding fairer systems and stronger protections.
New Zealand’s Integrity Challenges
Transparency International New Zealand’s recent report, An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Institutions in New Zealand in Deterring, Detecting and Exposing Corruption (2024), highlighted several areas of concern:
- Fraud and scams: New Zealanders lost nearly $194 million to scams between October 2023 and September 2024, with independent estimates suggesting losses closer to $2.3 billion.
- Tax fraud and weak enforcement: Insufficient resourcing hampers investigations and prosecutions.
- Conflicts of interest: Poorly managed conflicts erode trust in both local and central government.
- Lobbying and political funding: Weak transparency controls leave our democracy vulnerable.
- Media fragility: A weakened media sector reduces the ability to hold power to account.
These vulnerabilities are compounded by the increasing interconnectedness of global corrupt networks, which exploit New Zealand’s reputation for high trust and ease of business.
"This year’s Anti-Corruption Day reminds us that integrity is not inherited—it must be shaped and safeguarded. Young people, who are both the most affected by corruption and the most determined to challenge it, should be involved in building systems that are resilient, innovative, and fair. Shaping tomorrow’s integrity means acting today, together," Says Julie Haggie, CEO of Transparency International New Zealand
Standing #UnitedAgainstCorruption
On 9 December 2025—and every day—we stand #UnitedAgainstCorruption. By uniting with youth, embracing innovation, and strengthening our systems, we can ensure corruption does not block opportunity, undermine progress, or erode trust.
