Media Release

TINZ Applauds UNCAC Ratification

"New Zealand's ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) is a matter for all New Zealanders to celebrate," says Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) Chair Suzanne Snively. The signing is the culmination of many years work which sees New Zealand joining the other 177 signatories to the agreement.

According to Justice Minister Amy Adams, "New Zealand has reinforced its commitment to combating corruption by ratifying the United Nations Convention Against Corruption." The Convention is a legally binding global agreement to address corruption in the private and public spheres.

"Most importantly it signals New Zealand is putting into law the same standards it holds by reputation. And while New Zealand's public sector consistently ranks in the least corrupt according to the annual global Corruption Perceptions Index, signing up to the convention is the achievement TINZ and others committed to eliminating corruption have been hoping for," says Snively.

The decision goes beyond party political boundaries and provides consistency many New Zealanders aspire for.

The Organised Crime and Anti-corruption Legislation Bill recently passed by Parliament, brought New Zealand into compliance making ratification possible 12 years after New Zealand signed the Convention in 2003 when it was initially opened for signature.

Meanwhile New Zealand's hard won reputation as the least corrupt country is still at risk. Little transgressions, such a permitting facilitation payments, stonewalled Official Information Act (OIA) requests, and inattention to the OGP objectives undermines our credibility and reputation.

Now is not the time for complacency; it is time for assertive action to reestablish New Zealand as the least corrupt country in the world.

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