New Zealand’s score has declined again, from 85 to 83 in the just released 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), resulting in a further slip in our global ranking, now to fourth, with Singapore moving into third place. This also bumps New Zealand off the top rank in the Asia Pacific region.

New Zealand’s score has declined again, from 85 to 83 in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This is an analysis about why we are slipping and how we can go about reversing the slide.

New Zealand’s score has declined again, from 85 to 83 in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This has resulted in a further slip in our global ranking to fourth, with Singapore moving into third place. This also bumps New Zealand off the top rank in the Asia Pacific region.

New Zealand must strengthen foreign bribery detection and its corporate liability framework for foreign bribery.

In December 2024, a group of leading human rights advocates released an important report or combating trafficking which introduces the Combating Trafficking in Person and Modern Forms of Slavery Bill (Modern Slavery Bill).

Greater transparency of those who ultimately control legal entities and arrangements like trusts and companies reduces organized crime and corruption, drug offending and money laundering. It also supports the integrity of a nation’s financial system.

Fiji has improved its score in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index compared to the last two years, regaining its 2021 score of 55/100. Its rank is 50 out of 180 countries, so it sits in the top 30% of countries.

At the end of November, TINZ Board Director, Debbie Gee, and TI-IPP Coordinator, Rochelle Stewart-Allen, travelled to Bangkok to connect with other Indo-Pacific TI Chapters. The focus was launching Phase II of the Indo-Pacific STRONGG Project, a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening anti-corruption efforts across the region.

In December Transparency International, our parent organization, released a report setting out standards for integrity in political finance.

Monday 9 December 2024 was International Anti-Corruption Day. New Zealand cannot sit on its laurels with evidence of an upsurge in financial scams, tax fraud and cases of individual corrupt businesses and public servants supporting fraudulent practices or facilitating money laundering here.

Customs NZ border threat assessment shows that organised criminals are using increasingly sophisticated practices to use and corrupt our trade, transport and finance systems.

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 latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) scores for 2023 shows New Zealand once again has a stellar record when it comes to perceived low corruption. But for the second year, its CPI ranking dropped; what are the challenges to the perception of corruption in New Zealand?

New Zealand is now ranked third in the international corruption perceptions ranking prepared annually by Transparency International.

While New Zealand remains firmly entrenched among the top CPI countries, the likelihood of returning to first in the future is slim. Declining business confidence is concerning.

New Zealand is ranked second equal with Finland in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index, Denmark is now clearly at the top of the ranking. New Zealand’s score dropped one point to 87 while Denmark improved by 2 points scoring 90.

New Zealand’s high CPI score is good for business. Stable, trusted and open democracies give a sense of confidence to international investors looking for good returns on their investments and the comfort of knowing their investment isn’t at risk from corrupt practices.

Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM QSO DStJ has been appointed TINZ Patron having finishing her term as 21st Governor-General of New Zealand. She has had extensive experience in governance and business consulting roles.

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.

Transparency Times from the Chair October 2020. The new higher standard of transparency CNN set for the 2020 US election television coverage is a win for democracy.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.