Newsletter

International Fraud Awareness Week 2026

international Fraud Awareness Week, 15–21 November, is an opportunity to look at how we protect ourselves and our organisations from fraud. TINZ is encouraging people to ask questions, strengthen everyday checks—and have a go at our Swindler Quiz.

TINZ Annual General Meeting and Annual Report

TINZ held its AGM on 10 November with a preceding event ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back’ and said goodbye to some old friends and welcomed new ones.

New Zealand slips in the 2026 Rule of Law Index

New Zealand remains one of the world’s strongest performers on the rule of law, but its latest results indicate weakening safeguards for open government, public participation and checks on government power.

It simply never occurred to anyone…

At the final Transparency International New Zealand Public Sector Leaders Integrity Forum in July, senior public sector leaders gathered to discuss “groupthink” and how it can contribute to integrity failures in organisations.

Housing bribery charges highlight construction corruption risks

In October the Serious Fraud Office announced charges against two former public housing officials and two construction company owners alleging more than $4.2 million in bribes connected with government-funded contracts worth more than $26.3 million. Discussing procurement risks and preventive controls is called for.

Faces of Fraud in 2026

New Zealanders reported losing $265 million to scams through their bank accounts in a single year, and that is only the money people told their banks about. The victims are real, trust is damaged, business confidence and reputation are impaired. We need vigilance, constant reminders and systems providing levels of protection.

Time to act on the OIA

After 15 years of agreement, is it time to act? A TINZ expert forum takes on OIA reform.

Access to Environmental Information Research Pilot

During 2026, Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) conducted pilot research in Fiji and Solomon Islands looking for practical opportunities to improve access to environmental information. The report was launched at a recent webinar.

Lifting the lid on vested-interest lobbying

A new report reveals how vested-interest lobbying undermines public-interest decision-making in Aotearoa New Zealand. Authors Max Rashbrooke and Lisa Marriott draw on interviews with 36 political insiders to make the case for domestic lobbying regulation.

Voter Fraud – no accountability

Following the Papatoetoe electoral fraud case TINZ continues to call for a public inquiry and stronger national action to safeguard our local vote.

Transparency on the ballot: what New Zealand's parties are promising

Ahead of the election money in politics, lobbying, hidden company ownership and the speed of law-making have become live campaign issues. Who is promising what, or not?

Remembering Tod Cooper: a champion for integrity

We remember former TINZ Board member Tod Cooper. A champion for integrity in procurement and stronger action on modern slavery, Tod brought expertise, practical vision and a deep commitment to relationships to his work.

Parliament's rulebook review: urgency, submissions and scrutiny

The recent review of Parliament's Standing Orders recognises but only lightly addresses, several issues at the heart of representative and participatory democracy.

Political integrity is on the ballot too - parties need to say where they stand

Political integrity is on the ballot too. Every party seeking our vote should clearly state how it will improve lobbying transparency, political donation rules and protections against undue influence.

Event: Who has access? Environmental information in the Pacific

TINZ is launching new research into access to environmental information in Fiji and Solomon Islands with an online Pacific talanoa on International Access to Information Day, 28 September.

The OIA still matters; is it still working?

TINZ’s new Green Paper examines options to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of New Zealand’s Official Information Act and aims to stimulate discussion about its future.

Dame Suzanne Snively Scholarship: Protecting public-interest speech from SLAPPs

This year’s Dame Suzanne Snively Scholarship recipient explores how New Zealand could curb strategic litigation intended to silence public-interest speech while preserving access to justice.

Protecting Pacific Climate Leadership: A Call for Integrity, Accountability and Inclusive Governance

The Pacific chapters of Transparency International, including TI Australia and TINZ, sent a message to Pacific Forum Leaders ahead of the Pacific Island Leaders Forum in Palau calling on the Pacific leaders to protect and strengthen leadership on climate change.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.