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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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Being trustworthy means being dependable, acting responsibly and with the utmost integrity.

Ngā paerewa The standards

1.  We are honest and professional.

2.  We act lawfully and use public power fairly and reasonably.

3.  We avoid work and non-work activities that may compromise our ability to do our job.

Being honest and professional

Being honest and professional means being open, telling the truth, and doing the right thing - even when it’s hard. We take care in our work, are transparent about what we do and take responsibility for our actions and decisions. We are competent and professional and use skill and care in performing our roles and engaging with others. Being honest means we never engage in fraud, corruption or bribery.

Acting lawfully

We earn trust by following the law and acting with integrity. This means meeting our legal obligations – including those outlined in laws, regulations and contracts – while also considering what is ethical and the right thing to do. We consider available options to ensure outcomes are fair, reasonable and lawful. Acting lawfully includes enforcing laws and regulations to protect the safety, rights and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Using public power fairly and reasonably

To be trustworthy, we must be both fair and reasonable when we exercise public power. This means our processes are fair, transparent and easy to understand, which can include:

  • giving those who may be affected by our actions and decisions a reasonable opportunity to be heard, and providing reasons for our decisions
  • making decisions without bias and predetermination, and
  • acting reasonably by ensuring our decisions are justifiable and based on facts, evidence and clear reasoning.

Avoiding activities that may compromise our ability to do our job

Our organisations can be concerned about what we do at work or outside work, if it:

  • compromises our ability to do our job
  • impacts our ability to protect and advance the interests of New Zealand and New Zealanders, or
  • is unlawful or harmful, breaches trust or confidentiality or is offensive.

We must act responsibly so our behaviour doesn’t compromise the credibility or integrity of our organisation or the Public Sector. This may include carefully considering our use of social media and other online platforms or engaging in secondary employment or other public activity.

 

  1. Section 03
    Ngā mātāpono Our values
  2. Section 3.2
    Whakarangatira Respectful