Kupu whakataki Introduction

We live in an ever-changing world where the principles and values that underpin this Code are essential – they are the foundations for trust and confidence in the work we do and how we serve New Zealand and its people.

Integrity is not a one-off task – it is an ongoing obligation for us as public servants. Acting with integrity strengthens relationships, improves services, and makes a real difference in our communities. This defines the Public Sector and gives meaning and purpose to our work. It is important that we are all on the same page when it comes to what integrity means in a contemporary and evolving Public Sector.

The Code reinforces our responsibility to serve the government of the day professionally, while maintaining the trust of future governments and the public. It also sets clear expectations for leadership which includes fostering a positive, safe workplace culture that encourages speaking up and addressing integrity concerns appropriately.

Integrity is at the heart of being a public servant. Our Public Sector is internationally recognised for its professionalism and integrity – a reputation built on strong standards of conduct. Each of us plays a vital part in upholding these standards and serving New Zealanders with integrity and professionalism.

Sir Brian Roche KNZM
Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commissioner

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.

It provides a shared foundation and commitment to integrity and conduct and reinforces that our work for the public is unique, meaningful and based on trust.

The Code is for all public servants and sits at the heart of our work. We must know it and hold ourselves accountable to it, wherever we work. The Code outlines standards that should be applied with judgement and with regard to the role of the Public Sector in:

• acting with integrity and a spirit of service to the community
• supporting parliamentary democracy
• maintaining the trust and confidence of the public in all that we do, and
• supporting the Crown in its relationships with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi | the Treaty of Waitangi, in the context of our work roles.

The Code is issued by the Public Service Commissioner and sets standards of integrity and conduct under section 17(1) of the Public Service Act 2020 (the Act). It replaces the Standards of Integrity and Conduct, formerly issued under section 57 of the State Sector Act 1988.

The Code includes guidance that relates to the standards which is issued under section 19 of the Act. This guidance complements He Aratohu | A guide for public servants on matters of integrity and conduct, in particular:

• Guidance on topics such as the Public Service principles, general elections, social media, and sensitive expenditure
• Model standards that set expectations for the Public Sector, including on conflicts of interest, speaking up, positive and safe workplaces and chief executive gifts, benefits, and expenses.

He Aratohu | A guide for public servants on matters of integrity and conduct

It is recognised that some of the standards may have limited relevance to parts of the Public Sector.

For example, some public servants have no direct interaction with Ministers or the public. Where that may be the case, we still need to consider how the standards may apply, given we all ultimately serve the government and New Zealanders.

Application

Under section 17(2) of the Act, the Code applies to the Public Sector and all public servants (see glossary for definitions).

Under section 18(1) of the Act, the Public Sector and public servants must comply with the standards of integrity and conduct outlined in this Code.

Implementation

Public Sector organisations may apply additional or detailed standards to their organisation that are consistent with this Code – for example, through an organisation code of conduct adapted to their context. They are also expected to maintain policies and procedures in their organisations that support compliance with the Code.

Effective date

The Code takes effect on 30 March 2026.

Intersection with legal requirements

If there is a conflict between this Code and legislation, the legislation will prevail. Public Sector organisations are subject to varying accountabilities as set out in legislation. The Code is not intended to undermine any of these legislative requirements.