- Our UNCAC Submission has taken up much of our time lately. As part of our preparation we made information requests to the Ombudsman (noting the Ombudsman is not covered by the OIA) and the Serious Fraud Office (on prosecutions for bribery/corruption in the last ten years). Both information requests are reported on in our UNCAC submission.
- Pacific Programme. Our Programme Coordinator Rochelle Stewart-Allen has developed three series of three webinars, each series following a theme: opaque financial systems; women in political leadership; and environmental governance. Check out our Events page, and connect with our newsletter to keep in touch about these events. We have a stunning lineup of speakers from across the Pacific.
- Open Government Partnership. We joined into a joint letter initiated and led by the New Zealand Council for Social Liberties to the Minister for Public Services (Hon Judith Collins) about developing Aotearoa's 5th National Action Plan. Minister Collins responded briefly, saying:
“As you noted in your letter, I have been progressing a range of actions to improve Public Service performance, strengthen public governance, and deliver value for money services to all New Zealanders. Our commitment to open government is a core principle for the Public Service and an important contributor to our continuing international reputation as a leading democracy. I am expecting to receive advice from the Public Service Commission about development of the fifth National Action Plan shortly. I hope to be able to engage with stakeholders on the direction of travel in the middle of the year, and my office will be in touch. I have shared your suggestions of programmes that would further strengthen open government with officials at the Public Service Commission and noted your comments about the benefits of engaging with other OGP members. Thank you for your continuing commitment to advancing open government in New Zealand.” (The Ministers response is available at this NZCCL link)
- Advice to visiting Malaysian Delegation. Julie Haggie, our CEO met with a visiting delegation from the Malaysian Anti Corruption-Commission. During the visit, they met with us and other New Zealand agencies. Their aim is to raise their score and rank in the Corruption Perceptions Index, through a strategic, targeted approach to countering corruption. It was a very good discussion. (photo provided).
- Public Sector Leaders Integrity Forum. Sir Brian Roche spoke to Public Sector Leaders at our first 2025 Leaders Integrity Forum on 1 April, attended by 70 public sector leaders. Sir Brian talked about his expectations of integrity behaviours in the public service. He noted changes ahead for the Public Service Act, and the Public Service Survey, the results of which will be out in July.
