Te Tauākī Whanonga mō te Rāngai Tūmatanui | The Code of Conduct for the Public Sector (the Code) takes effect today. It sets the standards of integrity and conduct for everyone working in the public sector and gives us a shared foundation for how we work and behave.
What the updated Code means for you
The Code applies to all public servants working in the public sector.
Every public servant has a responsibility to read, understand and abide by the Code. We must know it and hold ourselves accountable to it, wherever we work and whatever our role.
By upholding these standards, we earn and maintain the trust and confidence of our Ministers, Parliament and the public.
What the Code includes
The Code sets clear expectations for how we behave at work. It includes:
- 21 standards framed around the public service values and principles
- guidance to help you understand how to meet the standards
- information about roles and responsibilities
- examples of what could be a breach
- advice on how to speak up if you see anything concerning.
The Code also sets clear expectations for leadership which includes fostering a positive, safe workplace culture that encourages speaking up and addressing integrity concerns appropriately.
Integrity learning now available
To help all public servants understand the Code and the General Election Guidance 2026, the Leadership Development Centre has published Integrity Essentials learning resources.
The Public Service Commissioner expects all public servants to complete the required learning 'Navigating the Code' and 'Getting Election Ready' as soon as possible before the 2026 General Election on Saturday 7 November.
You can access these resources on the Leadership Development Centre’s Public Service Core Learning Hub.
