Recent revelations about New Zealand political parties’ funding, are yet further evidence that our funding rules and political party governance badly need an overhaul.   It is reasonable to expect that those who lead should not only act according to the laws of the land, but also to have the understanding and sense to act morally beyond the laws of the land, and lead by example.

In November Transparency International UK launched the Anti-Corruption Pledge Tracker that globally monitors the progress of the commitments made by governments at the 2016 Anti-Corruption Summit in London.   

The 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index released on 23 January 2020 by Transparency International has New Zealand sitting first equal with Denmark with a score of 87 out of 100. Compiled annually by Transparency International (a global anti-corruption organisation), the index ranks countries worldwide by perceived levels of public sector corruption.

Some analysis of New Zealand's CPI score and international ramifications Top performing countries from 2012 through 2019 Low corruption equates to growth The CPI and trade The CPI and our trading partners

Top scoring countries on the CPI are not immune to corruption. While the CPI shows these public sectors to be among the cleanest in the world, corruption still exists, particularly in cases of money laundering and other private sector corruption. However, integrity at home does not always translate into integrity abroad, and multiple scandals in 2019 demonstrated that transnational corruption is often facilitated, enabled and perpetuated by seemingly clean countries.

This article contains a number of infographics that highlight the results and findings of the 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index internationally and as it relates to New Zealand.

This year, Transparency International analysed the relationship between politics, money and corruption, including the impact of campaign finance regulations and how money influences political power and elections. Keeping big money out of politics is essential to ensure political decision-making serves the public interest and curbs opportunities for corrupt deals. Transparency International’s research highlights the relationship between politics, money and corruption. Unregulated flows of big money in politics also make public policy vulnerable to undue influence.

Our public sector’s top TI-CPI ranking provides a clear signal that New Zealand is good to do business with. In a modern globalised world, an authentic and demonstrated reputation for integrity is a primary success factor, and a competitive advantage. A Government serious about increasing trade returns as a means of improving prosperity and well-being, can get started right now on promoting New Zealand exporters and tourism companies. Our world leading reputation for public sector integrity is a key benefit to promote.