This long-term insights briefing aims to help the public and decision-makers think about the future of public service integrity in New Zealand. Public service integrity in this context means individual public servants or public service agencies are acting in line with professional standards that uphold the public interest over individual or private interests. These standards are over and above basic expectations of compliance with the law. 

This briefing examines the current state of New Zealand’s public service integrity and looks at key trends that will influence the integrity environment over the next 10 to 15 years, drawing on research and information heard from integrity agencies, stakeholders and the public. It uses the three pillars: system, culture and accountability, to contextualise New Zealand’s current activities to uphold public service integrity. 

Based on international examples and expert recommendations, the briefing explores how the current approach can be strengthened to reach desired long-term outcomes. 

Key findings

• New Zealand is in a strong position in terms of public service integrity, with valuable elements of national culture, high rankings in international measures, and high trust and satisfaction in the public service by the people it serves.
• Other countries with historically high trust and integrity have had integrity failures.
• The rise of transnational and serious organised crime is expected to translate into a rise in corruption risks, including in the public service.
• Challenges to democracy and a rules-based international order are a fundamental risk for integrity.
• Concern is growing about the influence of large corporations (especially Big Tech) on policymaking and political institutions.
• International examples illustrate illustrate how the use of digital government systems without proper human oversight and open organisational cultures can harm citizens and undermine trust.