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Te Tauākī Whanonga mō te Rāngai Tūmatanui The Code of Conduct for the Public Sector

  1. Section 01
    Kupu whakataki Introduction
  2. Section 02
    Ngā paerewa Our standards
  3. Section 03
    Ngā mātāpono Our values
    1. 3.1
      Ngākau pono Trustworthy
    2. 3.2
      Whakarangatira Respectful
    3. 3.3
      Ngākau tapatahi Impartial
    4. 3.4
      Whaiwhakaaro Accountable
    5. 3.5
      Āta whakarongo Responsive
  4. Section 04
    Ngā pou Our principles
    1. 4.1
      Te noho taiapa Political neutrality
    2. 4.2
      Tohutohu hāngai Free and frank advice
    3. 4.3
      Kopounga whai-painga Merit-based appointments
    4. 4.4
      Kāwanatanga tuwhera Open government
    5. 4.5
      Kaitiakitanga Stewardship
  5. Section 05
    Te ū ki tā tātou Tauākī Abiding by our Code
  6. Section 06
    Rārangi kupu Glossary
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Te Tauākī Whanonga mō te Rāngai Tūmatanui | The Code of Conduct for the Public Sector (the Code) sets the standards of integrity and conduct across the Public Sector.

Illustrated scene showing public sector work: A person working at a computer, others working in the parliamentary library, a team meeting around a table with laptops with a presenter pointing to a screen with charts.

All public servants working in a Public Sector organisation to which this Code applies must meet the standards of integrity and conduct set out in the Code. By upholding these expectations, public servants help strengthen the trust and confidence New Zealanders place in the Public Sector. Many organisations also have their own Codes of conduct that are consistent with this Code and reflect their specific organisational context. 

Separate codes of conduct have been issued for Ministerial staff, Crown entity board members and Directors of Public Finance Act 1989 Schedule 4A Companies.

The Standards of Integrity and Conduct (the current Code) was issued in 2007 and while many of the minimum standards are still relevant, some new standards need to be included. The current Code remains in effect until 30 March 2026, when the updated Code takes effect.

The Standards of Integrity and Conduct (current Code)

01

Introduction

What’s in the Code, scope and application.
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02

Our standards

The Code sets the standards of integrity and conduct across the Public Sector.
Read More
03

Our values

Our values guide how we behave in every interaction.
Read More

  1. Trustworthy

    To act with integrity and be open and transparent.

    Read More about Trustworthy

  2. Respectful

    To treat all people with dignity and compassion and act with humility.

    Read More about Respectful

  3. Impartial

    To treat all people fairly, without personal favour or bias.

    Read More about Impartial

  4. Accountable

    To take responsibility and answer for our work, actions, and decisions.

    Read More about Accountable

  5. Responsive

    To understand and meet people’s needs and aspirations.

    Read More about Responsive
04

Our principles

Our principles are foundational pillars that guide how the Public Sector works to achieve its purpose.
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  1. Political neutrality

    To act in a politically neutral manner.

    Read More about Political neutrality

  2. Free and frank advice

    When giving advice to Ministers, to do so in a free and frank manner.

    Read More about Free and frank advice

  3. Merit-based appointments

    To make merit- based appointments (unless an exception applies under the Act).

    Read More about Merit-based appointments

  4. Open government

    To foster a culture of open government.

    Read More about Open government

  5. Stewardship

    To proactively promote stewardship of the Public Sector.

    Read More about Stewardship
05

Abiding by our Code

Roles and responsibilities, speaking up and breaches.
Read More
06

Glossary

Read More

Print version

The Code of Conduct for the Public Sector(PDF, 5.5 MB)

Alternate formats

The alternate formats will be published as they are available.

Information for Public Sector organisations

The Code of Conduct for the Public Sector: Information for Public Sector organisations

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge and thank all those who contributed their time, expertise and insights to the development of the Code of Conduct for the Public Sector. The Code has been strengthened by your diverse perspectives, and your engagement and commitment throughout the process has been invaluable.

Illustrations by Ezra Whittaker.

Crown copyright © 2026, Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission. All rights reserved.

This work contains proprietary illustrations protected by the Copyright Act 1994 and may not be copied, reproduced,
distributed, displayed, modified, remixed, or adapted in whole or in part, in any medium, without the prior written
permission of Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.

Please note that neither the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission emblem nor the New Zealand Government logo
may be used in any way which infringes any provision of the Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981. Attribution to
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission should be in written form and not by reproduction of the Te Kawa Mataaho
Public Service Commission emblem or New Zealand Government logo.

  2. Section 01
    Kupu whakataki Introduction