He Aratohu Integrity and Conduct

As public servants, we all play an important role in upholding high standards of integrity and conduct. By upholding these standards across the public sector, we earn and maintain the trust and confidence of our Ministers, Parliament and the people we serve. We also improve how effectively we operate in our communities, provide services, build meaningful relationships and make a difference. We should always be acting in the interests of people in New Zealand, and not for our personal gain.

He Aratohu – a guide for public servants 

To support high standards of integrity and conduct across the system, He Aratohu puts all expectations and resources into one place. 

He Aratohu is a composite of two words ara and tohu. Ara is a route, path or course. Tohu are symbols, signs, distinguishing features or directions. An aratohu is a pathway that has been scouted and the distinguishing features marked to make the journey of the traveller safer. He Aratohu includes important resources that help navigate issues of integrity and conduct. 

The resources available in He Aratohu include the expectations set by Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commissioner through the codes of conduct, public service principles, public service values, model standards and guidance either issued or endorsed by the Public Service Commissioner.

Note, He Aratohu evolves over time as guidance, model standards and codes of conduct are produced or updated. This has included changes required to these materials following repeal of the State Sector Act 1988 and its replacement with the Public Service Act 2020. Some materials may continue to reflect previous language until changes are made. In the meantime, this version contains all current material.