Colombia’s government has, throughout the last decade, passed legislation, implemented technology and created a set of institutions that let citizens know what the government is up to. The publication of open data has given its citizens a better understanding of government initiatives that used to be known only by headlines.

If last week's Open Government Partnership Fourth National Action Plan workshop is any indication, New Zealand's next plan will be the same as the last three, full of activities that are either ‘business as usual’ that should have occurred anyway, or  ‘side projects’ delivered on a wing-and-a-prayer.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced a new criminal conviction under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. This is a small positive outcome to an issue that is daunting to authorities around the world and within New Zealand.

There is an urgent need to improve inclusivity and integration of our recent arrivals by overcoming intransigence and lack of transparency in the public service. By this means, they will flourish and successfully contribute to our society and overall wellbeing.

Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) aims to ensure the current biennial engagement of the public in OGP will develop into more continuous involvement of civil society under a wider Open Government strategy.

Policies of Transparency International New Zealand

Inquiry into the 2019 Local Elections and Liquor Licensing Trust Elections, and Recent Energy Trust Elections Submission, Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ), February 2020

As we enter the community consultation phase to draft a new Open Government Partnership National Action Plan (2020-2022) for New Zealand, we know the current methods of engagement aren’t working and don’t lead to actions that truly reflect the aspirations of civil society.  Is it time to consider a different approach?

Open Government Partnership (OGP) has a mandate to hear from you about the outcomes that you want from your government.

A review of recent Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) activity around elections offers a broad-brush look at our initial plans for the 2020 electoral cycle.

Guest author Tim Barnett discusses the complex issues and practical challenges of political party funding in New Zealand. He offers a couple of examples where these issues are being addressed in other ways that are worth considering for New Zealand.

In early February, Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) offered a submission supporting the work of Stats NZ to create an Algorithm Charter. TINZ strongly supports the primary purpose of the charter – to put the right safeguards in place so that data ethics are embedded in the work, and so that people and communities being served by these tools are always front of mind. However, TINZ would like to see the Charter go further...