TINZ Strategy: focusing on impact

The TINZ Board has agreed the strategic focus for TINZ into the near future.

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UNCAC Review

On 20 May 2025, a TINZ team joined other civil society representatives meeting with the visiting review team considering New Zealand’s implementation of its commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

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Pacific Anti-Corruption Series Update

The topic of the third webinar of our Pacific Anti-Corruption Series on 11 June is beneficial ownership. The first two events in this series were well received.

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Golden visas – who is looking at risk?

Investors are attracted to New Zealand because of the ease of doing business with a relatively low level of corruption. That is a reputation that has to be upheld, not put up for sale. We cannot de-prioritise due diligence and risk mitigation in the chase for the overseas dollar or yuan.

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Whistleblower Heroes in New Zealand

As we head towards World Whistleblowing Day on 23 June, we praise just a few of the many New Zealanders who have spoken up about corrupt behaviour in organisations they work in or for.

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New Zealand owes a huge debt of gratitude to John Ryan

New Zealand owes a huge debt of gratitude to John Ryan, our retiring Supreme Auditor. He has carried out his role as the Controller and Auditor General with great wisdom, courage, objectivity, humanity and integrity, the qualities of a strong leader.

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Strengthening the rule of law: insights into protecting the rule of law in Aotearoa New Zealand

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa, in partnership with LexisNexis, will launch its Strengthening the rule of law in Aotearoa New Zealand report on Wednesday, 25 June in Wellington

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We are all part of the answer – UNCAC submission 2025

TINZ has completed its UNCAC submission as part of the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) before a review panel visits New Zealand later this month. Our overall summary won’t surprise anyone -while overall New Zealand is comparatively less corrupt, our systems are under attack and we are not doing enough to proactively address the issue.

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Pacific Anti-Corruption Webinar Series

Transparency International New Zealand invites you to a new three-part Pacific Anti-Corruption Webinar Series. This free, online series is designed to bring Pacific voices to the forefront. The webinar topics are Anti-Money Laundering on 14 May, Organised Crime on 28 May and Beneficial Ownership on 11 June.

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Are we speaking out more?

TINZ submitted an Official Information Act request to the Ombudsman to look at the impact of the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022. Here is what we found.

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Cyber-enabled fraud in New Zealand – a snapshot

Cybercrime is widespread but poorly understood by ordinary New Zealanders. Unlike other crimes, it is unlikely to be prosecuted yet the financial losses can be devastating for victims.

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Addressing Regulatory Capture

Dr Marie Doole provides a summary of recent regulatory capture research encouraging us to consider the risk of regulatory capture throughout the policy process, not just the operational frontline.

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What we’ve been doing

A brief update on TINZ activities including UNCAC, the Pacific Programme, OGP, meeting with a visiting Malaysian delegation and Leader's Integrity Forums.

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Submission on New Zealand’s implementation of its commitments under the United Nations Conventionagainst Corruption

TINZ has completed its UNCAC submission as part of the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) before a review panel visits New Zealand later this month. Our overall summary won’t surprise anyone -while overall New Zealand is comparatively less corrupt, our systems are under attack and we are not doing enough to proactively address the issue

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Amplify our message

Help us to get the word out there by following us on social media (Linkedin, Insta, Facebook). You can also amplify our message by liking and sharing our posts and inviting your friends and colleagues to follow us on social media.

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Submission on the proposed changes in the New Zealand Government Procurement rules

TINZ is generally very supportive of the proposed changes. Iffollowed these changes will increase transparency and accountability of the spending of the public purse. We recommend that the NZ Government Procurement Rules should also be reviewed against international standards such as the Open Contracting Partnership Global Principles1 and the OECD Principles for Integrity in Public Procurement.

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Help us reach 1,000 Linked In followers!

We have almost 1,000 followers on Linkedin! Help us grow the transparency and integrity movement - the more people we can reach, the more we can help to raise awareness about critical issues that matter in our democracies.

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Let’s Level the Lobbying Playing Field - Campaign Launch

Transparency International New Zealand has joined a campaign led by Health Coalition Aotearoa and including the Helen Clark Foundation, pushing for stronger measures towards political integrity through transparency, ethical standards and accountability.

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Procurement Rules propose more transparency

The recently revised rules for central government agencies undertaking procurement are a positive step in increasing transparency of government procurement.

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Follow the money – TINZ Corruption Scan 2025

Every year Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) monitors reported corruption to inform our strategy. This year’s scan reports $28 million in discovered and convicted cases.

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Our Pacific Program through Digital Storytelling

In conjunction with the Transparency International’s Pacific Program, we have produced a digital storytelling video featuring TINZ Deputy Chair and Pacific Committee Chair Debbie Gee talking about our Pacific Programme for 2024-2028

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Gurdeep Talwar joins the TINZ Board

Gurdeep Talwar has been appointed to the TINZ Board. Learn more about his incredible background.

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Transparency International Stock Take

Transparency International (TI) is actively engaged in a multitude of initiatives to fight corruption globally. At the end of the day, everything they achieve ultimately affects New Zealanders.

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National Financing of Terrorism Risks

TINZ Member with Delegated Authority Giulia Dondoli reports on the New Zealand Police Financial Intelligence Unit New Zealand National Risk Assessment 2024 as it relates to Terrorism and Financing of Terrorism.

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Follow the Money - TINZ Corruption Scan March 2025

Every year TINZ monitors reported corruption to inform our strategy. This year’s scan reports $28 Million in discovered and convicted cases.

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Data and the duty of care

Two excellent, recently released, independent reports commissioned by Stats NZ and the Public Service Commission have reported on data sharing arrangements between agencies and several organisations. They show serious gaps in the protection of sensitive personal data

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UNCAC NZ Implementation Review

In mid-May 2025 the New Zealand government will host an evaluation team who will review New Zealand’s implementation of the commitments it signed up to under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

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TINZ involvement in the Pacific programme in 2025

TINZ is a contributing chapter to the 2024-2029 Transparency International Indo Pacific Programme. TINZ’s work focuses on cross Pacific concerns including Polynesia. In 2022 we produced research on the interlinking risks of money laundering and corruption across the Pacific.

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Beyond Fear: How New Zealand is Securing Safe Whistleblowing

Evidence from contemporary research underlines why legal frameworks like the Protected Disclosures Act, which promote and protect whistleblowing, are so critical to good governance in both the public and private sectors.

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New Zealand slides again in 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index

New Zealand’s score has declined again, from 85 to 83 in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This has resulted in a further slip in our global ranking to fourth, with Singapore moving into third place. This also bumps New Zealand off the top rank in the Asia Pacific region.

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OECD Anti-Bribery Convention Report on New Zealand

New Zealand must strengthen foreign bribery detection and its corporate liability framework for foreign bribery.

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Beneficial Ownership Transparency in the Pacific

Greater transparency of those who ultimately control legal entities and arrangements like trusts and companies reduces organized crime and corruption, drug offending and money laundering. It also supports the integrity of a nation’s financial system.

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Fiji - Corruption Perceptions Index 2024

Fiji has improved its score in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index compared to the last two years, regaining its 2021 score of 55/100. Its rank is 50 out of 180 countries, so it sits in the top 30% of countries.

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Transparency International Indo-Pacific Chapters Meet in Bangkok

At the end of November, TINZ Board Director, Debbie Gee, and TI-IPP Coordinator, Rochelle Stewart-Allen, travelled to Bangkok to connect with other Indo-Pacific TI Chapters. The focus was launching Phase II of the Indo-Pacific STRONGG Project, a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening anti-corruption efforts across the region.

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Standards for integrity in political finance: A global policy position

In December Transparency International, our parent organization, released a report setting out standards for integrity in political finance.

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The modern slavery bill set to reshape New Zealand

In December 2024, a group of leading human rights advocates released an important report or combating trafficking which introduces the Combating Trafficking in Person and Modern Forms of Slavery Bill (Modern Slavery Bill).

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Analysis relevant to New Zealand from the Corruption Perceptions Index 2024

New Zealand’s score has declined again, from 85 to 83 in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This is an analysis about why we are slipping and how we can go about reversing the slide.

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New Zealand slides again in 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (Media Release)

New Zealand’s score has declined again, from 85 to 83 in the just released 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), resulting in a further slip in our global ranking, now to fourth, with Singapore moving into third place. This also bumps New Zealand off the top rank in the Asia Pacific region.

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OECD Report highlights that more is needed

The OECD that shows a much improved bribery prevention framework in New Zealand since 2013, but that much more work is needed including specific improvements in detecting and preventing bribery.

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Anti-Corruption Day 2024

Monday 9 December 2024 was International Anti-Corruption Day. New Zealand cannot sit on its laurels with evidence of an upsurge in financial scams, tax fraud and cases of individual corrupt businesses and public servants supporting fraudulent practices or facilitating money laundering here.

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TINZ 2024 Annual General Meeting

The 2024 TINZ Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday 26th November at the Grand Hall, Parliament Building and online. Our guest speaker for the evening was Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier.

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Assessing the Effectiveness of New Zealand Anti-corruption institutions

In August 2024 TINZ released a significant research report as part of our National Integrity System Assessment work programme. A key recommendation is the need for a zeitgeist shift in thinking about anti-corruption in New Zealand towards positive prevention including a Government funded agency responsible for anti-corruption work and strategy.

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2024 Year in Review

For 2024 TINZ revised its strategic focus, collaborated effectively with similarly aligned organisations to further our advocacy on several issues and were outspoken about the shortcomings of several legislative initiatives.

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2024 AGM

The 2024 TINZ Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 26th November at the Grand Hall, Parliament Building as well as online.

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2023-2024 Annual Report

The 2023-2024 Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) Annual Report was provided to members at the Annual General Meeting on the 26th of November. TINZ's mission is to foster a New Zealand culture where transparency, integrity, good governance, and ethical standards and practices are the core values of all New Zealanders.

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We need a beneficial ownership register NOW!

New Zealand’s financial systems are being exploited by criminals here and overseas. A beneficial ownership register would vastly improve detection of misuse of our financial systems.

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Good public records are not a new idea

In a recent visit to Greece, TINZ Chair Anne Tolley was reminded that the need for transparency and accountability is not a new concept.

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Ethics at Work in Aotearoa: with high standards come high expectations

The ‘Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees’ report has just been released by the Institute of Business Ethics. This report offers insights into how employees perceive ethics within their organisation and highlights the importance of strong ethical workplace cultures.

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Keeping a spotlight on modern slavery

It is estimated that 10% of New Zealand’s imports are likely to be produced utilising modern slavery. This is not a far away issue, but one that affects all of us.

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TINZ calls for an amplified Civil Society Voice at CHOGM

“Civil society participation is essential to the achievement and maintenance of common wealth and resilience” was the key message from Transparency International New Zealand to leaders attending the October Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

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What’s on top

The Auditor-General has recently used his position to express our shared concerns about the dangers to constitutional integrity when politicians give themselves the power to make direct public funding decisions or to enable non-transparent access to natural assets.

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UNCAC - TINZ pressure at home

TINZ is advocating for changes to The United Nations Convention against Corruption review process to make them more transparent and inclusive.

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TINZ letter regarding the UNCAC Review Mechanism

The current UNCAC review mechanism suffers from numerous weaknesses that prevent the UNCAC from truly living up to its potential. The current review of the process is an opportunity to work with other States to turn the UNCAC into a truly global anti-corruption force.

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TINZ Call: Amplify Civil Society Voice at CHOGM

“Civil society participation is essential to the achievement and maintenance of common wealth and resilience” is the key message from Transparency International New Zealand to leaders attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

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Te Kawa Mataaho, The Public Service Commission long-term insights briefing

Te Kawa Mataaho, The Public Service Commission is currently consulting on subject matter topics for its long-term insights briefing. TINZ’s response focused on addressing long term integrity risks and how to proactively address them.

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Getting the “inside” scoop on policy capture

Lisa Marriott and Max Rashbrooke from the School of Government, VUW are undertaking research about how powerful groups shift democratic decision-making away from public good. They want to hear about experiences from people with an inside perspective.

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Tod Cooper, Australia and New Zealand Procurement Leader of the Year

TINZ Board member Tod Cooper who was recently awarded 2024 winner of the CIPS Australia and New Zealand Procurement Leader of the Year.

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Horizontal Review indicates some jurisdictions are still lagging in gatekeeper compliance recommendations

In a recent review, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) found the application of recommended controls for gatekeepers still lacking.

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TINZ 2024 Dame Suzanne Snively Scholarship recipient

Lucia Young, studying holding public officials accountable in exercising their power, particularly in relation to Māori rights

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How Well Do We Counter Corruption?

Report Brief summarizing our research report: "An assessment of the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions in New Zealand in deterring, detecting and exposing corruption." This research forms part of our National Integrity System Assessment work programme.

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An assessment of the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions in New Zealand in deterring, detecting and exposing corruption

Aotearoa New Zealand's historically low levels of corruption have encouraged complacency and a reactive approach to policy making at top levels of politics and the public service.This is the finding presented in our just released research report: An assessment of the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions in New Zealand in deterring, detecting and exposing corruption. This research forms part of our National Integrity System Assessment work programme. 

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The effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions in New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand's historically low levels of corruption have encouraged complacency and a reactive approach to policy making at top levels of politics and the public service. New Zealand must do more to protect against corruption.

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Whaat? Beneficial Ownership Register on ice?

The decision of the Government to put a hold on progressing a Register of Beneficial Ownership for Companies and Limited Partnerships (not forgetting trusts) is alarming. The regulatory and operational work on a register was well underway. We urge relevant Ministers to review their decision.

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Tougher rules needed against corruption, as public unease grows

The perception of corruption in New Zealand’s political systems has been growing in recent years, enabled by weak or non-existent regulation. A new report from the Helen Clark Foundation has suggestions for strengthening our rules and systems, in line with similar countries, to improve trust and confidence and forestall a future crisis.

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Wellington Anti-Corruption forum

TINZ, ACFE and RIMS with the support of the OAG hosted an anti-corruption forum. Its focus was around the public sector anti-corruption ecosystem in New Zealand. It was excellent for its coverage and discussions about the issues.

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Auckland Business Anti-Corruption Forum

In August TINZ and partner organisations hosted an anti-corruption business forum in Auckland providing an opportunity to hear from international and local experts about what is needed to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience in the face of rising global corruption.

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Backtrack on the Fast Track?

Following the huge response from a broad range of organisations and individuals on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, the Environment Select Committee appears to be listening to concerns about the overriding of democratic and judicial processes and public participation that were implicit in the first draft.

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Making NZ sport and recreation safer and fairer: the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui

The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui promotes and protects the safety and well-being of participants and the fairness of competition in the sport and recreation sector.

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How Well do we Counter Corruption?

New TINZ Reports finds that Aotearoa New Zealand's historically low levels of corruption have encouraged complacency and a reactive approach to policymaking at top levels of politics and the public service.

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TINZ gets the TI-Tick

TINZ recently completed its triennial accreditation review from the TI Secretariat.

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New Zealand's battle with human trafficking: time for change

Synteche Collins – Acting Director of ECPAT New Zealand/Child Alert reports on the deeply disheartening news that Aotearoa New Zealand is once again ranked at Tier 2 in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report by the U.S. Department of State.

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Peter Hughes - Friend of Transparency and Public Sector Integrity

Earlier this year, the Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes quietly finished his time with the Public Service Commission, Te Kawa Mataaho. TINZ and New Zealand owes him a huge debt for his strong support of the trust and integrity of the public service and of our elected government.

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Customs NZ assessment shows increased corruption of border systems

Customs NZ border threat assessment shows that organised criminals are using increasingly sophisticated practices to use and corrupt our trade, transport and finance systems.

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TI Chair François Valérian to visit New Zealand in August

At the end of August François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International globally is visiting the Pacific TI chapters. He will spend three days in New Zealand and will be participating in several events while visiting.

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An Olympic connection

We are pleased to learn that Tennis player Marcus Daniell is being nominated by The New Zealand Olympic Committee to stand for the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.

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TINZ Submission on the Government Procurement Rules review

This submission consists of specific responses to review topics. In summary TINZ supports much greater transparency in public procurement including strengthened requirement statements. It also recommends that tone and expectations for applying best practice should be set at the top of an organisation and for procurement to be reviewed against international standards.

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The 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference

New Zealand was represented at the 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania by former Governor General and conference Vice Chair Sir Anand Satyanand, TINZ Chair the Hon Anne Tolley and by TINZ CEO Julie Haggie. The conference attracted outstanding defenders of ethical behaviour and governance.

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International Anti-Corruption Conference - CEO’s perspective

The International Anti-Corruption Conference in Vilnius Lithuania was a great opportunity for learning and networking and for catching up with international colleagues. At the same time it was sobering to realise how much more needs to be done to combat corruption.

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Financial Crime Risks: Politically Exposed Persons

Special attention to politically exposed persons (PEPs) in anti-money laundering regimes is important because political corruption can affect a country’s economic performance by diverting public funds away from essential services including education, health, housing and law enforcement.

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Virtual Asset Service Providers Are Now Regulated for Anti-Money Laundering in New Zealand

Virtual assets have created new avenues to commit crimes and new secure payment methods for criminals. Applying AML/CFT regulations to digital currency transactions can help fight cybercrime.

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Introducing The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation

The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) has been established to navigate the complex intersection of information, fairness and technological progress.

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What we are up to…

A very busy time for TINZ includes finalising an Indo Pacific Partnership agreement, a visit from TI chair Francois Valerian and monitoring the rise of organised crime in the Pacific.

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Counting people

A very important consultation is underway on the future of the New Zealand census. It seeks your social licence for Stats NZ to access, combine, use, and store your data from various programmes and sources. We strongly encourage everyone to have their say before the consultation closes on 18 June, 2024.

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New Zealand Open Budget Survey results show the need for continuous improvement – starting with a Parliamentary Budget Office!

New Zealand has been a world leader in public financial management for over two decades.. Without the impetus from the creation of a Parliamentary Budget Office and an improved Citizen’s budget, we are on the road to mediocrity in budgeting.

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Conflict of interest management in public sector decision making

Prioritising the declaration and management of conflicts of interest is essential for upholding integrity in procurement within the New Zealand public sector.

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Billions of dollars are laundered through the gambling sector worldwide: What can we do better in New Zealand and Australia?

Recent cases in New Zealand and Australia highlight gaps in AML reporting systems in the casino sector.. Anti-money laundering prosecutions and settlements are making an impact, however more can be done including civil penalties or criminal liabilities for individuals in senior management roles, lower cash thresholds, and mandatory cashless poker machines.

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The importance of sanctions in combating transnational organised crime and terrorism

The increasing global tensions in wars and conflicts have seen a flurry of economic sanction orders coming into place which can be an effective non- armed response to bad actors

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Watcha been doin’?

Transparency International New Zealand is involved in many activities that promote our values of transparency and integrity throughout New Zealand. Here are some of our activities during April and May.

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The Corruption box and the importance of high-integrity institutions

When considering an individual’s propensity for corrupt behaviour and levels of institutional corruption the critical importance of high-integrity institutions is apparent.

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Fast Track Approvals Bill

The Fast Track Approvals Bill raises concerns around democratic decision-making, the principle of the separation of powers, increased power of the Executive, participation and overall transparency.

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Human Rights Due Diligence and the EU market

New Zealand businesses looking to enter, grow or maintain business relationships with the EU will likely need to enact sustainability and modern slavery due diligence as a minimum requirement of doing business. By meeting these standards they will enhance their reputation, foster long-term relationships, and contribute to a more environmentally and socially conscious global trade landscape – as well as satisfying the expectations of their local stakeholders.

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Is it time to consider SLAPP in New Zealand?

The European Parliament's recent adoption of an anti-SLAPP directive imposes minimum standards to protect individuals from unfounded lawsuits. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, SLAPPs remain largely absent from public discourse.

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April was a busy month for TINZ submissions

As part of our unrelenting demand for greater transparency and integrity in all areas of public life, Transparency International New Zealand regularly promotes legislative change. April was a particularly busy month for legislative submissions.

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TINZ Speaks out about weak proposed Lobbying Code of Conduct

TINZ Deputy Chair Debbie Gee and Chief Executive Officer Julie Haggie went to the airwaves to discuss the proposed Voluntary Lobbying Code of Conduct and to emphasise TINZ’s concern that the Code is very watered down when compared to an initial draft and codes of conduct within similar democracies.

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Submission to the Justice Select Committee inquiry into 2023 Election

Comments from TINZ on the elements of the in which we have most interest. These are: corruption, electoral integrity, public participation in decision-making, political integrity (lobbying, donations, transparency) and structural elements of Parliament that enhance democracy.

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Fast-Track Approvals Bill Submission

This bill raises concerns around democratic decision-making, the principle of the separation of powers, increased power of the executive, participation and overall transparency.

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Submission on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions

TINZ Submission in preparation for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will visit New Zealand in May to evaluate New Zealand’s compliance with the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention.

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TINZ Submission Draft Voluntary Lobbying Code of Conduct

TINZ has consistently called for greater transparency and integrity in the political sphere. The version now consulted on, has little substance, even though it is voluntary and non-binding.

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Draft Voluntary Lobbying Code of Conduct lacks substance

The draft voluntary lobbying code of conduct just released by the Ministry of Justice demonstrates lobbyist’s effectiveness. It is so watered down from the initial draft which was developed based on other international codes, that it now totally lacks substance.

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