SFO launches pilot programme to tackle public sector corruption risks
Photo:
RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
A newly launched Anti-Corruption Taskforce pilot programme, led by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), will be running for the next six months to assess risks across the public sector - including AI-enabled fraud, foreign interference and insider threats.
The SFO will be supported by the Police and the Public Service Commission to build a "system-wide" picture of the corruption and fraud risks in the public sector.
Between July and September, the taskforce will request six agencies to complete self-assessments and supply data: Inland Revenue, Accident Compensation Corporation, the Department of Corrections, the Ministry of Social Development, Land Information New Zealand and Sport New Zealand.
The agencies will also report on the volume of corruption and fraud detected and prevented.
By the end of the year, the taskforce will prepare advice to ministers and release a public report about the trends, gaps and recommended actions.
SFO chief executive Karen Chang said in a statement tackling public sector fraud was about safeguarding taxpayers' funds and protecting New Zealanders' trust in government.
"By bringing frontline agencies and enforcement partners together, this will help build a clearer intelligence picture that can be used to lift system resilience and ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats such as insider threats, foreign interference and AI-enabled fraud."
Chang said the pilot would generate a baseline that informed more targeted prevention, better detection and stronger enforcement.
She said the agencies were already proactive members of the existing Counter Fraud Centre community, and their willingness to share data showed a strong commitment to integrity.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said working with agencies across government would allow the taskforce to identify risks early and use the collective enforcement to keep the system strong.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said the public sector accounted for a third of the economy, and the pilot was a "critical step" in protecting and enhancing New Zealand's reputation as an attractive place to invest.
"Every dollar of public funding counts, and preventing the unlawful taking of taxpayer money is something we take very seriously," he said.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the taskforce would help increase transparency and encourage ethical conduct across the public sector.
"Fighting corruption is not just about prosecution - it's about leadership, accountability and promoting a culture of integrity."
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