The just released report Money for Something, describes the often murky world of donations to political parties – and details how it could be cleaned up.

Civil society groups have endeavoured, with mostly volunteer resources, to drive real ambition in New Zealand’s fourth Open Government Partnership National Action Plan. Sadly most of our expertise and energy has been expended without purpose.

TINZ provided a submission and met with the Electoral Review panel in late October. Our baseline position draws on core reasons for demanding electoral integrity.

The 2022 Transparency International Annual General Meeting and event was held on 29 November in the Grand Hall, Parliament House. The Annual Report was presented and business of the organisation conducted followed by an interesting panel discussion and lively networking event.

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) offers an innovative model for co-development by civil society and government to improve public transparency and accountability. We are disappointed that this opportunity has not been seized in the three years that the NAP4 has been in development.

The recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union that beneficial ownership registries may infringe on fundamental individual rights is a setback to beneficial ownership reporting advocates.

The FISA Self-Assessment was launched in mid-October and is now open for market use. There has been good interest from the banking sector, and we thank peak bodies and regulators for their support in getting the word out.

The 2021-2022 Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) Annual Report was provided to members at the Annual General Meeting on 29th November. TINZ has had a positive impact on integrity in New Zealand, as we applied strategic thinking and resources to influence change, for the common good.

TINZ submission to the Electoral Review consultation based on expert advice from John Hall, Ellie McKenzie, Brendon Wilson, Debbie Gee and Julie Haggie. It is further informed by our past research, integrity assessments and submissions.

An OIA by TINZ reveals that there is very little data available about the activities of trusts in New Zealand. This limited data highlights the need for more information about these arrangements to increase protection against criminals using New Zealand’s opacity to launder money and hide corruptly gained assets.

In a comparison with 10 other jurisdictions, the absence of independent oversight of, and personal gains from lobbying in New Zealand is glaring.

The imminent creation of an Australian anti-corruption agency causes us to ask the question whether there is a similar need in New Zealand