Bridges Both Ways. Transforming the Openness of New Zealand Government.

Abstract

One of New Zealand’s great strengths is its easy-going, ‘she’ll be right’ attitude; but every strength can become a weakness. That is increasingly the case with the country’s record on public transparency, political participation, and anti-corruption policies. A long-standing record of scoring well on international rankings for integrity and openness has lulled New Zealand into a complacent attitude. While there is much to be proud of, there are also serious problems, as repeatedly highlighted by international surveys. Political donations are badly regulated, official information laws are being circumvented, and opportunities for deep citizen engagement with politics are limited. New Zealand is also passing up the chance to get on board the latest global push for greater openness, which is being impelled both by advances in technology and citizens’ growing expectations of greater transparency in many parts of their lives. New Zealand therefore faces an opportunity – to regain its leadership on openness, and to address some of the weaker parts of its record. With the 2017 general election just months away, now is the perfect time for a discussion on what kind of government New Zealanders want. This report therefore surveys a wide range of pro-openness policies as an aid, and stimulus, to that debate.