Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has issued an updated Code of Conduct which sets the standards of integrity and conduct across the Public Sector.
Te Tauākī Whanonga mō te Rāngai Tūmatanui | The Code of Conduct for the Public Sector provides public servants with a shared foundation and a collective commitment to acting with integrity.
“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,” says Sir Brian.
“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.”
The Public Service values and principles form the framework for the 21 standards in the Code. The standards are to 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.
All public servants are expected to know the Code and hold themselves accountable to it in their daily work.
“Each of us plays a vital part in upholding these standards and serving New Zealanders with integrity and professionalism,” says Sir Brian.
The updated Code of Conduct takes effect on 30 March 2026.
