However if we put New Zealand through the Corruption Checklist, we find that the policy makers are ensuring that corruption remains alive and well in Aotearoa:
1. Has NZ ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption? NO
2. Does NZ have an independent anti-corruption body tasked with educating the public and PREVENTING corruption? NO
3. Do NZ’s laws ensure transparency in the funding of candidates for elected public office and political parties at central government level? NO
4. Do NZ Members of Parliament have a ‘Code of Conduct’? NO
5. Do NZ Local Govt elected reps have a ‘Code of Conduct’? YES
6. Is it an offence for NZ Local Govt elected reps to breach the ‘Code of Conduct’? NO
7. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly-available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Local Govt elected reps? NO
8. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Central Govt staff responsible for procurement? NO
9. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly available ‘Register of Interests’ for NZ Local Govt staff responsible for procurement? NO
10. Is there a lawful requirement for details of ‘contracts issued’ – including the name of the contractor; scope, term and value of the contract to be published in NZ Central Govt Public Sector, and Local Govt (Council) Annual Reports so that they are available for public scrutiny? NO
11. Is it a lawful requirement that a ‘cost-benefit analysis’ of NZ Central Govt public finances be undertaken to substantiate that private procurement of public services previously provided ‘in-house’ is cost-effective for the public majority? NO
12. Is it a lawful requirement that a ‘cost-benefit analysis’ of NZ Local Govt public finances be undertaken to substantiate that private procurement of public services previously provided ‘in-house’ is cost-effective for the public majority? NO
13. Does NZ have a legally-enforcable ‘Code of Conduct’ for members of the NZ Judiciary? NO
14. Are all NZ Court proceedings recorded, and audio records made available to parties who request them? NO
15. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly available NZ Judicial ‘Register of Interests’? NO
16. Is there a lawful requirement for a publicly available NZ ‘Register of Lobbyists’ at Central Govt Ministerial level? NO
17. Is there a legal requirement at NZ Central and Local Govt level for a ‘post-separation employment quarantine period’ from the time officials leave the public service to take up a similar role in the private sector? NO
18. Is it a lawful requirement that it is only a binding vote of the public majority that can determine whether public assets held at NZ Central Govt or Local Govt level are sold; or long-term leased via Public-Private Partnerships? NO
19. Is it unlawful in NZ for politicians to knowingly misrepresent their policies prior to election at central or local government level? NO
20. Do NZ laws promote and protect individuals, NGOs and community-based organisations who are ‘whistleblowing’ against ‘conflicts of interest’ and corrupt practices at central and local govt level and within the judiciary? NO
Penny Bright - The Watchdog
