Newsletter

Time to Raise the Bar: The Case for a Positive Test for Urgency in New Zealand Parliament

Using urgency as a default legislative strategy — treating a parliamentary majority as a substitute for deliberation, or rushing complex legislation through simply because a government can is not acceptable.

Get Lobbying into the Sunlight

Professional lobbying has grown significantly in New Zealand since the 1980s, yet regulation has not kept pace. While lobbying can contribute to public policy, the absence of clear rules has enabled practices that undermine public confidence.

The Queensland Model – Real-Time Political Funding

In Queensland, candidates are required to disclose donations in real time. New Zealand would benefit from a similar regime

Parliament calls out government for being hard to understand — and charts a way forward

A landmark report from a cross-party Committee says New Zealanders deserve much clearer information about what the government is doing with their money.

New Zealand Takes on Modern Slavery: What the New Bill Means — and What's Missing

Transparency International New Zealand has made a submission to Parliament on the Modern Slavery Bill 2026, broadly welcoming the legislation while urging significant strengthening before it becomes law.

Pacific Partnership Environmental Research Project

TINZ is continuing its work across the Pacific through a new ‘Access to Environmental Information’ research project that focuses on information available on fisheries in Fiji and extractives in Solomon Islands.

Let the sun shine in

Our “Let the Sun Shine In” series will spotlight the urgent need for openness in political funding, lobbying, and disclosure ahead of this year’s general election.

Let the sun shine in: A call for greater integrity in politics

Transparency International New Zealand calls on parliamentarians and political parties to re-affirm their support for essential democratic processes.

Let the sun shine in on political party funding

Political donation reform is urgently needed. Weak donation laws, high disclosure thresholds, and limited enforcement powers create opportunities for undue influence and erode confidence in political institutions.

Ni sa bula Transparency International Fiji!

On 1 May Transparency International Fiji launched a new logo, website, and strategic plan. This long awaited event signals that TI Fiji is now firmly on the path to full chapter status within the global TI movement.

Speech by Dr Salome Taufa, Director of Governance and Engagement, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum

As the Pacific continues to navigate a more uncertain and demanding regional and global environment we will need institutions that are trusted, leadership that is principled and policies that are informed by facts and evidence.

Reflections for the Democracy Forum

A fundamental question is how New Zealand’s model of parliamentary democracy can adapt and remain resilient in the social media age. This was a key point raised by Sir Peter Gluckman from The Centre for Informed Futures and President of the International Science Council in thoughts submitted for the recent Democracy Forum discussions.

New Zealand’s integrity inheritance – are we keeping up?

New Zealand’s strong reputation for integrity is under pressure as corruption becomes more complex and less visible. Insights from the February Leaders Integrity Forum highlight why prevention—and not just enforcement—must be the focus to protect our “integrity inheritance.”

TINZ Corruption Scan March 2026

This report provides a high-level overview of corruption risks, cases, and integrity trends in New Zealand, drawing on publicly available information to inform Transparency International NZ’s advocacy and policy priorities.

UNCAC implementation review responsive to TINZ recommendations

The implementation review for New Zealand under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) covering Chapter II (Preventive Measures) and Chapter V (Asset Recovery) has been released. The recommendations in the report align well with TINZ’s submission.

TINZ Submission on New Zealand’s ICCPR Review

Transparency International New Zealand has submitted its response to the Government’s draft Seventh Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Democratic Resilience and Transparency

On Monday 23rd March, Hon Dr Duncan Webb and Dr Vanessa Weenink MP hosted around 200 influential thinkers from various backgrounds at a cross party forum at Parliament. The purpose was to share ideas about how to ensure our democracy is preserved and enhanced.

Who is lobbying who about what? Webinar Recap

New Zealand should “grasp the nettle” on lobbying regulation because it is all about open government. Open government is clearly better for everybody including those who lobby and those who are lobbied.

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