Media Release
Parliamentarian diary publication strengthens transparency

Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) is encouraged by the public release of parliamentarian diaries. Today Green party ministers released meeting logs for their official activities within the last three months. This is an important step in strengthening the transparency of New Zealand's political process.

TINZ encourages all ministers to follow the Green's lead and release their diaries.

TINZ's Integrity Plus 2013 New Zealand National Integrity System Assessment(NIS) recommended better transparency to enable public officials, citizens, and businesses to obtain sufficient information on, and to, scrutinise lobbying of members of Parliament and ministers.

The NIS describes how open and transparent information-seeking discussions are helpful in informing better decision-making. Since the purpose of all Parliamentarian meetings is to enhance and extend communication with the ultimate aim of improving outcomes for New Zealanders, it is desirable that Parliamentarians keep completely open and transparent diaries.

"The NIS is a definitive roadmap for increasing integrity systems in New Zealand. Ministers taking this step are demonstrating a commitment to improving transparency and in this way, improving policy, practice and outcomes for New Zealanders," says Suzanne Snively, Chair of TINZ.

Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) is the local chapter of the global organisation - http://www.transparency.org.nz/. TINZ works to actively promote the highest levels of transparency, accountability, integrity and public participation in government, business and civil society in New Zealand and the Pacific. TINZ values strengthen business, enhance the New Zealand brand and create a better quality of life for New Zealanders.

We applaud actions, such as the release of official information to the public, that lead to a stronger New Zealand integrity system.

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