Preserving and releasing information, and ensuring transparency, participation and accountability.
Open Government Partnership
New Zealand has been a member of the Open Government Partnership since 2013. This international agreement aims to make governments more accountable, responsive and inclusive. To participate in the partnership, governments must show commitment to open government in 4 key areas:
- fiscal transparency
- access to information
- disclosure of income
- assets of elected or senior public officials, and citizen engagement.
A series of National Action Plans have focused the Public Service’s efforts on a series of initiatives designed to make government more transparent, accountable and responsible to people in New Zealand.
Open Government Partnership — Open Government Partnership New Zealand
New Zealand’s Open Government Partnership Fourth National Action Plan 2023-24 outlines 8 commitments to support open government in New Zealand. The plan was developed by representatives of civil society organisations and government agencies over 3 years.
New Zealand’s Fourth National Action Plan
Official information
Being open and transparent supports New Zealanders’ trust and confidence in their government organisations. The Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) means people in New Zealand can request government information (official information) and expect it to be made available unless there is a good reason to withhold it.
Official Information Act 1982 — New Zealand Legislation
