25 Years Fighting corruption
The Transparency International (TI) global movement began over 25 years ago. Through advocacy, campaigning and research, our movement has exposed countless systems and networks that enable global corruption to thrive. Transparency International has been unrelenting in demanding greater transparency and integrity in all areas of public life and private business.
From the mid-1990s TI was represented in NZ by a national contact person at the University of Canterbury, Dr. Peter Perry. The New Zealand chapter was formally established in 1999, under the chairmanship of Senior Accountant Michael Morris, and supported by volunteer executive officers.
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THE NEXT CHAPTER: NEW ZEALAND
The initial focus of Transparency International New Zealand’s chapter was to have the New Zealand Government ratify the OECD anti-bribery convention. Opposition to the convention from NZ’s largest exporter, Fonterra, resulted in the Crimes Act amendment being watered down at the Select Committee stage through the removal of extra-territorial effect. Lobbying by TINZ saw the original drafting restored.
TINZ has subsequently coordinated regular assessments of the government’s record in implementing the Convention.
We have put forward evidenced arguments for stronger legal protection and better organisational culture to support people to speak up about wrongdoing. An amended law is now with Parliament. We advocated for a refocusing of the public service to be more accountable and transparent. These values form part of the Public Service Act 2020.
We are also innovative, developing the world’s first Financial Integrity System Assessment.
We are non-partisan, non-sectarian, and objective. In our conduct, we are guided by the principles of the Human Rights Act and the Treaty of Waitangi. In our statements and publications, all positions taken by Transparency International New Zealand are based on sound, objective, professional analysis and high standards of research.


