Transparency International New Zealand welcomes the review of New Zealand’s regulatory system for media and online platforms reduce the exposure of New Zealanders to harmful content. The current system is out-dated, inconsistent, ineffective, and fails to adequately cover social and other emerging media. We believe with the proposal to move to a consistent, platform-agnostic, content-focused approach proposed in new framework outlined in the discussion document.

The recent research report commissioned by Te Waihanga - New Zealand Infrastructure Commission makes it clear New Zealand has the necessary standards and guidance to enable infrastructure transparency. However, these measures are not currently being sufficiently followed to facilitate transparency within large New Zealand public infrastructure projects.

The Inspector-General of Defence Act is now law. This law sets in place the process for establishing independent oversight to provide an avenue for independent scrutiny of the New Zealand Defence Force and its activities. Civil society was heard in the process, however OIA overrides and limited disclosure of investigations limit transparency

In June the Independent Electoral Review panel sought submissions on its interim report. TINZ responded with a submission supporting many of the panel’s recommendations, but not all. Here are some that we find concerning:

The New Zealand government is ‘finally’ preparing legislation to address Modern Slavery and exploitation in New Zealand.

In this short video, prepared for a Taiwan government meeting, TINZ experts outline the issue of modern slavery in New Zealand and discuss how it affects the lives of people worldwide. Our experts discuss approaches for reducing it in our procurement and supply chains.

In early July TINZ CEO, Julie Haggie, and Director, Brendon Wilson, presented to a visiting delegation of provincial Vietnamese public sector leaders. The session focused on the importance of participation, transparency and accountability in public sector activities.

Pacific youth supported by Transparency International Papua New Guinea, Transparency Vanuatu and Integrity Fiji sent an open letter to Pacific leaders advocating that they prioritise the fight against corruption and gender inequality.

Derek Gill, TINZ Member with Delegated Authority for Public Finance, led a one-day workshop providing an introduction to public budgeting in Fiji. There was particular interest in the introduction of Citizen’s Budgets to Fiji.

Last month TINZ published “Promises to Policy to Action”, our urgent call for invigorating New Zealand’s healthy democracy and sent an email to party presidents and secretaries. So far, only the TOP party has responded. Stopping the flow of illicit money is one of the areas where concrete action is called for.

In mid June TINZ Board Director, Debbie Gee, and CEO, Julie Haggie, joined colleagues from TI chapters across Asia Pacific in Bangkok for a chance to support each other and to share knowledge, new ideas and experiences

A recent blog post FAST or slow? Integrity and anti-corruption in Samoa analysed the progress being made in Samoa in their battle against corruption. Is the new Government doing enough?