In a positive step for democracy the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has been affirmed with the six political parties likely to have MPs elected to Parliament giving a strong thumbs up for New Zealand’s continuing membership.

The distraction around policy costing rather than focusing on the merits of the policies themselves highlights the need for a Parliamentary Budget Office

New Zealanders value a government that is open, and accountable. There are practical ways to see these qualities translated into concrete policies and actions.

Last month TINZ published “Promises to Policy to Action”, our urgent call for invigorating New Zealand’s healthy democracy and sent an email to party presidents and secretaries. So far, only the TOP party has responded. Stopping the flow of illicit money is one of the areas where concrete action is called for.

The independent Electoral Review panel has just released its interim report which is available for consultation until 17 July 2023. We strongly encourage our members and supporters to give feedback to the panel on any recommendation in the report.

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.

TINZ presents “Promises to Policy to Action”, our urgent call for invigorating New Zealand’s healthy democracy. We offer concrete actions within the broad areas of: 1.) Stopping flows of dirty money within and in/out of New Zealand; 2.) Strengthening political Integrity, enhance democracy and national security; 3.) Protecting public resources and securing integrity in the public and private sectors.

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.

The just released report Money for Something, describes the often murky world of donations to political parties – and details how it could be cleaned up.

In a comparison with 10 other jurisdictions, the absence of independent oversight of, and personal gains from lobbying in New Zealand is glaring.

The need for systemic change to protect democratic integrity is more evident than ever in recent history. So long as the Electoral Act fails to place any limit on political donations, even donations from corporations and lobbyists, undue influence will remain a reality in this country.

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

The proposed political donation regulations are positive and TINZ welcomes them. We also feel additional reforms are required to maintain a publicly trusted,high integrity electoral system

An update from Integrity Fiji discusses the challenges lack of good data presents to their anti-corruption work. It highlights their recent accomplishments in the face of the challenges.

Transparency International New Zealand honours departing politician Louisa Wall MP, who has given 14 excellent years of service to Aotearoa.

A project is underway at VUW researching the funding of political parties in New Zealand amidst fraud investigations involving the finances of major political parties. The research findings will inform the planned review of the Electoral Act.

A research project team at the Wellington School of Business and Government will release an annual Political Integrity Index for New Zealand from 2022 onward. They are currently looking for a PhD candidate to work on the research.

Political financing through donations, anonymous or not, should not purchase influence. The principle of one-person one vote underpins democracy. We need to protect the integrity of this essential democratic process.

From the perspective of judging a government’s commitment to openness, they are conveying a signal that no government would choose: that there is no policy coherence between stated intent and reality.

Poorly regulated political finance regimes can undermine the integrity of processes and institutions of political participation and representation, resulting in corruption and a loss of public trust in politics.

TINZ responded to four questions raised in this submission. We support a broader review of the Māori Electoral option including consideration for Māori to switch between electoral rolls for both general and local government elections (and separately for each). We also agree that further research and community awareness raising is needed.

TINZ provided four specific recommendations based on its research, in its submission to the Justice Select Committee Inquiry into the 2020 General Election.

TINZ’s response to the Justice Select Committee Inquiry into 2020 General Election. Anne Tolley and Avon Adams were the leads in the TINZ response.

TINZ is releasing a report: Online Political Campaigning in New Zealand We recommend that Parliament takes the opportunity to not only maintain New Zealand’s status and reputation as a leader in political integrity, but to show other countries the way forward in dealing with this critical issue for protecting democracies and fighting political corruption.

The new proposed Parliamentary Code of Conduct addresses important issues of inappropriate sexual conduct and bullying. The code is part of proposals to make Parliament a safer working environment, from one where unacceptable conduct had become "normalised”.

TINZ remains concerned that political parties are largely unaware of New Zealand’s vulnerability to the impact of corruption that originates overseas. They are generally naive about how our international reputation for strong integrity attracts the corrupt on one hand, while on the positive side, strengthening New Zealand's integrity systems to prevent this corruption has the potential to accrue value to their constituencies and to our economy.

Democracy faces daily new risks in the digital age. This article highlights a few tools like 'The complete guide to NZ Election 2020' which aim to create an informed electorate and provide transparency around political advertising and political content.

Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) posed seven key questions to each political party on issues of transparency, anti-corruption and protection for whistleblowers. Here are their responses

A review of recent Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) activity around elections offers a broad-brush look at our initial plans for the 2020 electoral cycle.

Guest author Tim Barnett discusses the complex issues and practical challenges of political party funding in New Zealand. He offers a couple of examples where these issues are being addressed in other ways that are worth considering for 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.

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.

On Tuesday 6 October approximately 200 people gathered at Victoria University of Wellington to hear 2020 election candidates discuss business and political integrity.