Human Rights

New Zealand Second Equal in Latest Corruption Perceptions Index

New Zealand is ranked second equal with Finland in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index, Denmark is now clearly at the top of the ranking. New Zealand’s score dropped one point to 87 while Denmark improved by 2 points scoring 90.

Inspector-General Defence Bill Submission

TINZ is generally supportive of the legislation. If it works as the Bill intends it should support the Minister of Defence’s responsibility to have oversight of the Defence forces with a level of independent scrutiny and a range of investigative powers. Our concerns with the wording lie in the transparency of the process and lack of public reporting. We think that this can be provided without compromising national security concerns. That is the main focus of our brief comments.

Corruption in seven small Pacific Islands - TI Global Corruption Barometer

Pacific Island countries face particular corruption risks given their relatively small populations, dependence on natural resources, vulnerability to natural disasters and recent transition to democracy. However, evidence about levels and patterns of corruption is still limited.

Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms

On July 25th 2022 Netsafe and NZTech launched a new initiative that commits a range of technology companies to reducing the risk of online content that may cause harm to New Zealanders.

We need an independent voice to speak for children

We need an independent advocate who can speak to the range of rights that our children are entitled to

Wayfinding for civil justice

The Chief Justice and Secretary for Justice are creating a national strategic framework, to improve how we work together to improve access to civil justice in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are looking for submissions from people with direct experience of the justice system who would like to share their feedback on the draft Wayfinding for Civil Justice strategy document.

Progress on National Integrity System Assessment recommendations

There has been slow steady progress on some of New Zealand’s National Integrity System Assessments’ recommendations, but as we emerge from the COVID crisis there is much more to be done.

Cross Party Collaboration - Crimes (Definition of Female Genital Mutilation) Amendment Act 2020

In 2019, the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians New Zealand Group (CWP NZ) worked together to create and introduce the Crimes (Definition of Female Genital Mutilation) Amendment Bill. This bill was crafted through strong cross party collaboration.

Yes we can meet the Sustainable Development Goals

The 2021 Aotearoa New Zealand SDG Virtual Summit and release of the Auditor General’s report on New Zealand’s SDG preparedness put the SDGs in the spotlight. Urgent action is needed on our SDG Commitment..

Submission to the Ministry of Justice regarding proposals against incitement of hatred and discrimination

A stable and thriving economy and society rely on integrity systems that facilitate checks and balances on power, transparency of decision-making and information, the ability to speak up about wrongdoing, and to see this investigated. It also relies on the ability for people to explore issues, participate in public debate and policy formation.

Modern Slavery Webinar Recap

The average New Zealand household spends $34 per week on products whose production depends on modern slavery. This webinar discussed what it is, how it exploits vulnerable populations and actions to take to eliminate it from our supply chains.

Doc Edge Film Festival 2021

The 16th Doc Edge Festival will be held. 3 June – 11 July 2021. The festival features 83 films, 38 days, 4 venues.- Auckland (SkyCity Theatre, The Civic), Wellington (The Roxy) and online nationwide. Here are a couple of films related to transparency

Become an everyday hero – stand against modern slavery

Modern Slavery presents a sizable financial global impact. In the United Kingdom alone the cost of modern slavery as been estimated at between £3.3bn and £4.3bn per year. The New Zealand Government, and its people, need to take a much stronger stand.

Human Rights in New Zealand

In New Zealand human rights law sits mainly within the purview of the Human Rights Commission, Crown Law and the Ministry of Justice. Human Rights Commissioner, Paul Hunt, is calling for New Zealand to take on the challenge of implementation, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because we are legally bound to this journey.

Human Rights: Global update and concerns related to COVID-19 pandemic

Without transparency during the COVID-19 pandemic, human rights are compromised and inequality may lead to greater corruption. This is profoundly affecting peace and security across the globe.

Of rare earths and referenda – A stark tale of corruption contrasts

We have a long way to go to redress the imbalance of importing rare earths in return for exporting corruption. New Zealand should consider a law similar to that being introduced in Switzerland. Applying New Zealand’s relatively high standards externally, could go a long way towards helping New Zealand move to a small but influential role in reducing the import and export of corruption.

Are we all in this together: equally?

We need to consider how we continue to respond to this pandemic in the weeks, months and years ahead, ensuring that the rights of people are protected. Our vulnerable populations are very much at risk.

Protect the voices we are losing during times of crisis.

As we focus on protecting everyone’s health and well-being from this unprecedented global virus, we are made acutely aware of life and death and the ways in which we manage the transition from one to the other. ...consider the voices we are losing, the stories that make up our collective memory and how we might “protect, record and cherish them, while we still have a chance."

Intransigence, opaqueness for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse

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.