Integrity
Public Service integrity culture and public servants' experiences of bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
What is the Public Service Census?
Te Taunaki Public Service Census is a survey of all public servants working in departments and departmental agencies run by the Public Service Commission. We ran the first Census in 2021 and the second in March 2025.
In the most recent Census, more than 65,000 public servants were invited to complete the survey and a total of 44,737 participated (68.5%, up from 63.1% in 2021).
The questions in the survey cover employee experiences and demographic information which give valuable insights about capability and culture across Public Service organisations.
We expect to run the Census again in 2027.
I want public servants to know that their input and response to the Census is a really important reference point for me and the chief executives to work out what we need to do to make our work environment more pleasant and more productive.
What did the survey find?
We found that most public servants believe that the work they do delivers better outcomes for New Zealand and provides value for taxpayers. There is evidence teams are working collaboratively to get the job done and are encouraged to be innovative, such as acting on customer feedback and learning from mistakes.
There are also challenges to public servants performing at their best, including high workloads, complexity of business processes, and lack of clarity from senior leadership.
The Public Service has a high trust culture, and trust between colleagues increased since our 2021 survey. Nearly all public servants said it was important to them that their agency was open and transparent with the public, had a good understanding of political neutrality, and believed in the stewardship their agency demonstrates. There was less agreement that all appointments are merit-based and that advice to Ministers was free and frank.
Though most people felt comfortable being themselves at work, a respectful workplace was not a universal experience. Some public servants said they had experienced bullying or harassment in their current workplace in the last year, and thought handling of inappropriate behaviour could be improved.
Public servants are motivated by a desire to make a positive difference for New Zealanders and are enthusiastic about their roles. However, job satisfaction has declined since our 2021 survey, and many reported high levels of work stress. Satisfaction with work/life balance has increased slightly since 2021.
There was little change in access to learning and development since 2021, but capability to support the Māori Crown relationship has increased.
To explore the results by topic, use the links at the top of the page. To read the summary reports for the Public Service system and individual agencies, see our summary reports and technical information page.
What is the data being used for?
Each agency is required to develop and implement an action plan based on their results. The Commission is ensuring that action plans are followed through.
We have also identified areas that require a coordinated system change and are working together with leaders in the Public Service to develop and implement interventions.
See the high-level areas that we are working to improve at the system level.
Our role in collecting and publishing information ensures that the public, public servants, and ministers have information readily accessible about the performance of agencies.
Te taunaki e anga whakamua ai te Ratonga Tūmatanui means ‘the evidence that moves the Public Service forward’ (Te Taunaki | the evidence)