22 February, 2018
Transparency International New Zealand
Wellington New Zealand
Patron: Sir Don McKinnon

New Zealand #1 least corrupt public sector in the world

New Zealand's public sector is ranked the least corrupt in the world, according to Transparency International's 2017 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released globally today.

Compiled annually by Berlin-based Transparency International, the CPI ranks countries worldwide by perceived levels of public sector corruption.

Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) Chair, Suzanne Snively, says "Transparency International's top CPI score for New Zealand reflects the integrity of our public servants. Our public sector leaders are inspiring their own people and others to harness the value that integrity and resultant good business contributes to a more prosperous New Zealand.

All of New Zealand benefits from investments being made by public sector leaders, as well as regulators and businesses. They build public trust and business confidence by identifying and eliminating bribery and corruption and enable industry to leverage our positive ranking.

Complacency however remains our biggest challenge. The prevention of corruption is too often a low priority. Work to enhance transparency must continue for New Zealand to maintain leadership in the fight against corruption. This includes more open public involvement in government decision making and a publically accessible registry of the beneficial owners of companies and trusts", says Ms Snively.

TINZ Patron and former Commonwealth Secretary General Sir Don McKinnon says that "Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index rankings are independent and objective assessments. Today's announcement reiterates the importance of New Zealand having strong integrity systems in place. A perceived lack of corruption and active examples of good business practices make it easier for kiwi organisations to gain market access offshore, all of which ultimately benefits all New Zealanders."

________________________________________________________________________________
Note to Editors:
TINZ has identified seven important benefits for the New Zealand economy based on having strong integrity systems. These include positive reputation and brand, greater customer loyalty, committed and engaged staff, easier market access, lower cost of business, increased returns on investments and improved access to capital.

Background information for journalists
1. About Transparency International
Transparency International is a global civil society coalition based in Berlin, leading the fight against corruption. It compiles a number of measures of different aspects of corruption including the Corruption Perceptions Index, the Global Corruption Barometer, and the Bribe Payers Index. Information on Transparency International can be found atwww.transparency.org

2. About the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
The CPI scored and ranked 180 countries/territories in 2017 based on how corrupt a country's public sector is perceived to be. It is a composite index, a combination of surveys and assessments of corruption, collected by a variety of reputable institutions. The CPI is the most widely used indicator of corruption worldwide.
CPI key measures used for New Zealand (and abbreviations)
o Bertelsmann Foundation Sustainable Governance Indicators - BF SGI
o Economist Intelligence Unit Country Risk Ratings - EIU CRR
o Global Insight Country Risk Ratings - GI CRR
o IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2016 - IMD WCY
o Political Risk Services International Country Risk Guide - PRS ICRG
o World Economic Forum Executive Opinion Survey - WEF EOS
o World Justice Project Rule of Law Index - WJP RLI
o Varieties of Democracy Project - V-Dem
Top performers share key characteristics: high levels of press freedom; access to budget information so the public knows where money comes from and how it is spent; high levels of integrity among people in power; and judiciaries that don't differentiate between rich and poor, independent from other parts of government.
Key areas of assessment where New Zealand can improve include:
• Access to Information
• Open Government
• Order and Security
• Fundamental Rights and Civil Justice
• Absence of Corruption
• Regulatory Enforcement
• Lack of Constraints on Government Powers and Criminal Justice
Detailed information about the Corruption Perceptions Index isat www.transparency.org/cpi

3. New Zealand Media Contact:

Transparency International New Zealand Chair Suzanne Snively is currently on leave. Deputy Chair David McNeil will be available for comment if you provide advance notice of your interest by email: dm@ti.org.nz

4. About TINZ
Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) is the local chapter of the global organisation - www.transparency.org.nz. TINZ works to actively promote the highest levels of transparency, accountability, integrity and public participation in government and civil society in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Transparency International New Zealand provides a free Anti-Corruption Training Tool(transparency.org.nz/Anti-Corruption-Training) designed by leading experts in the field, and enables organisations to provide training for their personnel. This was developed in partnership with the Serious Fraud Office and BusinessNZ
Transparency International New Zealand published the Integrity Plus 2013 New Zealand National Integrity System Assessment and is actively engaged in the implementation of its recommendations.

ends

© Scoop Media