When considering an individual’s propensity for corrupt behaviour and levels of institutional corruption the critical importance of high-integrity institutions is apparent.

The Fast Track Approvals Bill raises concerns around democratic decision-making, the principle of the separation of powers, increased power of the Executive, participation and overall transparency.

New Zealand businesses looking to enter, grow or maintain business relationships with the EU will likely need to enact sustainability and modern slavery due diligence as a minimum requirement of doing business. By meeting these standards they will enhance their reputation, foster long-term relationships, and contribute to a more environmentally and socially conscious global trade landscape – as well as satisfying the expectations of their local stakeholders.

The European Parliament's recent adoption of an anti-SLAPP directive imposes minimum standards to protect individuals from unfounded lawsuits. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, SLAPPs remain largely absent from public discourse.

As part of our unrelenting demand for greater transparency and integrity in all areas of public life, Transparency International New Zealand regularly promotes legislative change. April was a particularly busy month for legislative submissions.

TINZ Deputy Chair Debbie Gee and Chief Executive Officer Julie Haggie went to the airwaves to discuss the proposed Voluntary Lobbying Code of Conduct and to emphasise TINZ’s concern that the Code is very watered down when compared to an initial draft and codes of conduct within similar democracies.

This bill raises concerns around democratic decision-making, the principle of the separation of powers, increased power of the executive, participation and overall transparency.

TINZ Submission in preparation for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will visit New Zealand in May to evaluate New Zealand’s compliance with the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention.

Comments from TINZ on the elements of the in which we have most interest. These are: corruption, electoral integrity, public participation in decision-making, political integrity (lobbying, donations, transparency) and structural elements of Parliament that enhance democracy.

TINZ has consistently called for greater transparency and integrity in the political sphere. The version now consulted on, has little substance, even though it is voluntary and non-binding.

The draft voluntary lobbying code of conduct just released by the Ministry of Justice demonstrates lobbyist’s effectiveness. It is so watered down from the initial draft which was developed based on other international codes, that it now totally lacks substance.

The just released draft voluntary lobbying code of conduct released by the Ministry of Justice demonstrates lobbyist’s effectiveness. It is so watered down from the initial draft which was developed based on other international codes, that it now lacks substance.