Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) is delighted that Suzanne Snively has been named in the New Years Honours as an Honorary Dame Companionfor her services to governance

Today, 9 December 2020 is International Anti-Corruption Day, with the theme ‘Recover with Integrity’. The response to the COVID-19 virus is creating new opportunities to exploit weak oversight and inadequate transparency, diverting funds away from people in their hour of greatest need.

TINZ has maintained its momentum in the face of the global pandemic challenge. It has learnt new things and been able to not only stay connected but also progress TINZ’s work in a positive way.

Three new Directors were elected to the TINZ Board by members, following online voting and voting at the AGM venues.

Just-released reports by the Office of Auditor-General highlight the need for added transparency in government decision making and reporting outcomes. More civil society consultation in the UNCAC review is called for. And Suzanne thanks three parliamentarians who have worked hard to progress the anti-corruption agenda.

Open Government Partnership (OGP) has a mandate to hear from you about the outcomes that you want from your government.

Our public sector’s top TI-CPI ranking provides a clear signal that New Zealand is good to do business with. In a modern globalised world, an authentic and demonstrated reputation for integrity is a primary success factor, and a competitive advantage. A Government serious about increasing trade returns as a means of improving prosperity and well-being, can get started right now on promoting New Zealand exporters and tourism companies. Our world leading reputation for public sector integrity is a key benefit to promote.

COVID-19 is a virus on the march. China has shown that while it may not be stopped, this is a march that can be controlled. The virus can be controlled in New Zealand with transparency and accountability.

TINZ Patron Lyn Provost shares some reflections on the support and leadership TINZ can provide during the COVID-19 response and recovery.

As New Zealand moves aggressively toward recovery, businesses have a chance to re-engineer their integrity systems to cement their brands in the post COVID-19 world.

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 political parties' answers to TINZ's seven questions do not inspire confidence that they recognise the extent of the external threat of corruption and the leverage that a solid reputation brings to the New Zealand economy’s recovery, including the potential to repay debt at a faster rate.

Transparency and expertise provides a basis for optimism of a staged return to a more normal lifestyle.