Lobbying plays an important role in the development of policy and is important to a democracy. But it must be open, transparent and regulated. A Code of Conduct is suggested.

The announcement by the Prime Minister of potential regulation of lobbyists and other matters is welcome news to those who advocate for political integrity. Now we need to turn it into effective legislation.

This report published in April 2023 was primarily prepared by TINZ, with review and further contribu􀆟ons by the Parliamentary Services Library staff. The focus is on central government with some limited coverage of local government.

On 13 April NZCCL is hosting a panel discussion about the state of and promise of Open Government in light of Aotearoa New Zealand's recent Fourth National Action Plan for Open Government.

Te Kawa Mataaho have delivered New Zealand’s fourth Open Government Partnership National Action Plan. A number of commitments are related to anti-corruption and transparency.

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.