Merit-based appointments are an essential cornerstone of our professional and politically neutral Public Sector.

Te paerewa The standard

19.  We are fair and robust in our recruitment and selection processes and must give preference to the person who is best suited to the position. 

Making merit-based appointments

 Merit-based appointments help us recruit, attract and select the best people to work in the Public Sector, building a workforce that has the experience and expertise to improve the lives of New Zealanders.

Those of us who are leaders need to ensure our organisation upholds the principle of merit-based appointments and must make merit-based appointments unless an exception applies under the Act. This means if we have a role in employee recruitment, promotion and selection, we must:

  • identify the skills, responsibilities and effort necessary to perform the role
  • ensure appointments are made through a fair, open and contestable process, and are free from patronage, favouritism or prejudice, and
  • follow our organisation’s internal policies and ensure independence, confidentiality, fairness and transparency in the appointment or promotion process.