New Zealand's piecemeal approach to corruption not enough

RNZ News

5 days ago

Transparency International says without a whole-of-government national anti-corruption strategy New Zealand remains at risk. The recently convened Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime reported earlier this year that corruption is growing, is being weaponised by organised crime, and that New Zealand must act now to protect its institutions, borders, and regional stability.
It recommended developing a national anti-corruption strategy alongside a centralised reporting and investigative body, improving vetting for high-risk industries, and modernising corruption offences under the Crimes Act. New Zealand is the only Five Eyes Country that does not have such a strategy in place. The Public Service Commission recently published its long-term insights briefing and developed an action plan to combat corruption within the public sector.
And last month, the Serious Fraud Office announced an anti-corruption taskforce pilot, which will run for six months gathering data, to test the current assessment and reporting processes. But Julie Haggie, the chief executive of Transparency International New Zealand, says while this is all good - the piecemeal approach still won't be enough.
Nine to Noon has repeatedly requested an interview with the chief executive of the Serious Fraud Office Karen Chang since the Office announced its campaign to tackle foreign bribery, in May. Those requests have all been declined.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Serious Fraud Office chief executive Karen Chang and Police Minister Mark Mitchell at the launch of a new Anti-Corruption Taskforce pilot programme in Auckland.
Photo:
RNZ / Lucy Xia