Combating Bribery and Corruption

THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND CODES OF CONDUCT

The State Services Commissioner sets standards of integrity and conduct for the Public Service and, from time to time, issues these in the New Zealand Public Service Code of Conduct .

The Code of Conduct sets minimum standards of behaviour expected from public servants, one of which is that they perform their official duties honestly.

The Code sets out how public servants are expected to respond to offers of gifts or gratuities. A public servant:

• must not abuse their official position for personal gain

• must not ask for or accept gifts, rewards or benefits which might compromise their integrity and the integrity of their department and the Public Service

• should not, as a general rule, accept a gift (whatever its nature or value) if the gift could be seen by others as either an inducement or a reward which might place the employee under an obligation to another person

• should report to his or her manager or chief executive offers of gifts or inducements

• declare any gift accepted to their manager or chief executive for a decision on final disposal

Principles of Public Servants’ Conduct

The Code of Conduct describes the following four principles of conduct which cover the minimum standards of integrity and conduct expected from all public servants:

• Public servants must fulfil their lawful obligations to the Government with professionalism and integrity

• Public servants must perform their official duties honestly, faithfully and efficiently, respecting the rights of the public and their colleagues

• Public servants must not bring the Public Service into disrepute through their private lives

• Public servants must not abuse their official position for personal gain. They must not accept gifts, rewards, or any benefits which might compromise, or be seen to compromise, their integrity.

Sanctions for a Breach of the Code of Conduct

The Public Service Code of Code reinforces the fact that corrupt behaviour will not be tolerated in the New Zealand public service with any breach of its standards leading to the possibility of not only criminal sanctions but the immediate loss of employment.