New Zealand updates code of conduct to ‘strengthen integrity’ in the public service
An updated code of conduct for the New Zealand Public Service is to come into force next month in a bid to “strengthen integrity”.
The new Code of Conduct for the Public Sector builds on existing expectations about integrity and conduct and introduces new standards on merit-based appointments, workplace culture and respectful behaviour to address key findings from the 2025 Public Service Census.
Judith Collins, public service minister, said New Zealanders “expect the people that serve them to act with the highest integrity, accountability and professionalism” and that the updated code “resets those expectations and provides clear guidance to public servants”.
“We’re fixing the basics so New Zealanders have a system that is not only effective, but exemplary – one that consistently serves the public interest and appropriately uses the powers entrusted to it,” she said.
‘Fixing the basics’ – and merit-based appointments
The code covers the public service values which state that public servants must be trustworthy, respectful, impartial, accountable and respectful. It also covers the principals of political neutrality, free and frank advice to ministers, merit-based appointments, open government – which underscores that government information, decisions and services should be available, transparent and accessible – and stewardship.
The code says merit-based appointments are an “essential cornerstone of a professional and politically neutral public sector”.
It sets out that anyone who has a role in employee selection, recruitment, and promotion must identify the skills, responsibilities and effort necessary to perform the role; ensure appointments are made through a fair, open and contestable process, and are free from patronage, favouritism or prejudice; and must follow internal policies and ensure independence, confidentiality, fairness and transparency.
The code also sets clear expectations for leadership, which includes fostering a positive, safe workplace culture that encourages speaking up and addressing integrity concerns appropriately, and guidance on general elections, social media, conflicts of interest, and sensitive expenditure.
“Integrity requires strong leadership, sound judgement, and workplace cultures where people feel safe to speak up and do what is right – especially when no one is watching,” Collins said.
In the foreword to the code, Sir Brian Roche, the public service commissioner, said that integrity “is not a one-off task” but an “ongoing obligation” for public servants and that “acting with integrity strengthens relationships, improves services, and makes a real difference in our communities”.
He added that “it is important that we are all on the same page when it comes to what integrity means in a contemporary and evolving public sector”.
To ensure compliance with the updated code, the Public Service Commission is introducing mandatory training on that, as well as its General Election Guidance, which covers how public servants must act before, during, and after an election.
The current Standards of Integrity and Conduct was issued in 2007 and remains in effect until 30 March 2026, when the updated code – which is available on the Public Service Commission website – takes effect.
Read more: Public service commissioner sets out ‘significant risks’ to New Zealand government
Roche highlights ‘significant risks’ to the public service
Last month, Roche delivered his first State of the Public Service report since taking up the post in October 2024.
In it, he said the public service had served New Zealand well, but that there are a number of “significant risks” to the current operating model that need to be addressed to ensure this continues.
These risks include a fragmented and siloed approach across the public service; the lack of a whole-of-system perspective; and what he called “slow uptake” of technologies such as artificial intelligence that could enable more effective services.
Other risks highlighted by Roche include the range of sub-scale agencies across the public service – which could reduce resilience and constrain career pathways – and insufficient talent development.
Roche set out a number of steps to modernise how the public service works, including efforts to reduce fragmentation by better organising government around the needs of citizens and businesses; creating a unified ‘digital front door’ to public services; and centralising digital investment and procurement.
The report outlines a reform path based on what the report calls the five conditions for a successful public service, covering people and leadership; systems and technology; culture and innovation; trust, transparency and integrity; and an enabling environment.
“We can’t simply keep doing what we’ve always done. Nor can we create a single plan and expect it to never change. We need adaptive strategies but also a clear sense of direction. This report presents my view of what this looks like for the New Zealand Public Service,” Roche concluded.
Read more: New Zealand eyes billions in savings through centralised technology procurement
Global Government Forum’s Making Government Work research sets out the key characteristics needed in a modern public service, with priorities ranging across leadership, digital service delivery, workforce development, cross-departmental integration, and citizen trust. Read the full report to find out more.
About Mia Hunt
Mia has been editor of globalgovernmentforum.com since 2019. She has 15 years’ experience as a journalist and editor and specialises in writing for civil and public servants worldwide, including covering sustainability policy and related issues. She has led the Global Government Women’s Network since it launched in 2023. Previously, she covered commercial property having been market reports and supplements editor at Property Week and deputy editor at Retail Destination. She graduated from Kingston University London with a first-class honours degree in journalism and was part of the team that produced The River newspaper, which won Publication of the Year at the Guardian Student Media Awards in 2010.
