The Performance Improvement Review Programme (the Programme) is a key initiative to lift agency performance across the Public Service. It supports the Government’s priorities and helps towards delivering better results and outcomes for New Zealanders.
Purpose and approach
The Programme offers independent, future-focussed assessments of agencies to help identify the actions needed to address their current and future challenges. Performance Improvement Reviews (Reviews) are used to inform the strategic direction and performance of public service agencies and provide Ministers with an important lever to shape the long-term direction, focus and performance of their agencies. Schedule 3, Section 5A of the Public Service Act 2020 provides the Public Service Commissioner the power to conduct reviews of public service departments and Crown entities, with agreement from the appropriate or responsible Minister.
What reviews focus on
Reviews have a future-focus and typically look towards a four-year horizon (or longer if applicable). They describe:
- what is expected of the agency in the future and the challenges it faces
- the capability and performance needed to meet those expectations and what it should do to achieve it.
Review approach and methodology
Reviews are led by independent Lead Reviewers, who are highly experienced leaders with a deep understanding of the Public Service environment. Most are experienced former chief executives and/or governance leaders.
Lead Reviewers use the Performance Improvement Model as the basis to review the agency, looking at its:
- delivery of Government priorities and core functions
- organisational management, including:
- leadership and direction
- delivery of services to clients, customers and citizens
- engagement with stakeholders
- workforce management
- financial management, data and risk.
A detailed guide to the Performance Improvement Model is provided in the links below.
The Programme is initially focused on agencies however, the Public Service Act 2020 also provides for the Commission to conduct System Performance Improvement Reviews, which reviews how a group of agencies and chief executives work together to deliver shared outcomes.
What happens after a review
Final reports are published on the Public Service Commission’s website (see links below). As well as the providing the findings of the review, the reports include statements from the reviewed agency and the Central Agencies on their response to those findings. Agencies also develop an implementation plan to give effect to the insights and findings from the review.
Guidance, templates and tools
Note: These documents were published before the 2026 amendments to the Public Service Act 2020, so do not explicitly reflect the provisions in Schedule 3 Section 5A. See our Q&A section for more information on these changes.
Ngā pātai me ngā whakautu Questions and answers
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How has the Performance Improvement Programme evolved?
The Programme builds on the Performance Improvement Framework introduced in 2009. Over time, the framework has been refined to reflect international best practices and lessons learned. The 2026 amendments to the Public Service Act 2020 legislated the ability for the Public Service Commissioner to conduct Performance Improvement Reviews of agencies.
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What do the 2026 amendments to the Public Service Act 2020 mean for the Programme?
In 2026, Section 5A was added to Schedule 3 of the Public Service Act 2020. This section legislates the ability for the Public Service Commissioner to conduct Performance Improvement Reviews of the public service, Crown entities named in Schedule 1 of the Crown Entities Act 2004, the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Defence Force and Parliamentary Counsel Office.
The Commissioner may conduct two types of reviews, with the agreement of the appropriate or responsible Minister:
- Agency Performance Improvement Reviews, defined as “an independent review of the performance of an agency, including the agency’s delivery of government priorities, core functions, and organisational management”
- System Performance Improvement Reviews, defined as “an independent review of the performance of a group of agencies, including how the agencies work together to deliver shared outcomes”.
This section in the Act also provides for the Commissioner to recover from the reviewed agency/agencies, actual and reasonable costs incurred in conducting a Performance Improvement Review.
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Who are the Lead Reviewers?
Each Review is led by two independent Lead Reviewers chosen for their relevant experience, complementary skills, and ability to work well with the agency’s senior leadership.
All Lead Reviewers are highly experienced, with extensive leadership and organisational management experience. Some have previously been involved with Performance Improvement Framework reviews.
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What is the benefit for the public?
High-performing agencies are essential for delivering effective public services. These reviews help ensure agencies are focused on the right priorities and are equipped to meet future challenges, ultimately improving services for all New Zealanders.
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What are the benefits for agencies?
Reviews provide Public Service leaders with an independent, forward-looking perspective on their agencies readiness to deliver now and in the future. The insights from Reviews help chief executives to shape the strategic direction and capability of their agencies. Reviews are timed to be complementary to existing agency initiatives.
Whakapā mai Contact us
Email: performanceImprovement@publicservice.govt.nz if you'd like to know more about the Programme.