New Zealand Law Must Not Condone Bribery
The chair of Transparency International New Zealand, Suzanne Snively has applauded moves to crack down on corruption
under the Organised Crimes Bill but warns New Zealand is putting its existing reputation at risk by leaving in place any
legislation that can be seen to condone bribery.
In making Transparency International New Zealand's submission to the Law and Order Select Committee, Snively warned the
bill needs to take an uncompromising approach to "facilitation" payments which are simply bribes dressed up in another
name.
"New Zealand has an international reputation as one of the most corruption free nations on earth but that reputation
could be tarnished unless we outlaw a practice already banned by other countries. The United Kingdom Anti-Bribery Act
for example mandates prosecution of New Zealand exporters that trade in the UK and engage in facilitation payments
anywhere in the world.
New Zealand's ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) is long overdue and to be
consistent we need to draw a line under the unsavoury practice of "facilitation" payments. "The simple fact is if these
payments were legitimate they would be invoiced, declared and open, but for businesses to engage in this practice is to
be engaged in bribery and corruption and is not the New Zealand way nor the internationally accepted way of doing
business."
Transparency International New Zealand has demonstrated that corruption free business is good business and pays far
bigger dividends than any short term gains achieved by illegal business practices. "Lets call it what it is and ensure
that bribery in any form is illegal."
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