Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission (the Commission) is urging New Zealanders to take part in a national conversation on open government in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Commission has today launched an online platform for a public conversation on how we advance active citizenship and partnership, as well as the responsiveness and transparency of government in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes says:
“Open government is about strengthening democracy, building trust, and improving wellbeing. We want to hear New Zealanders’ ideas about what we can do. I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to join the conversation.”
New Zealand is a member of the Open Government Partnership, an agreement between 78 member nations to create more transparency and public participation in government – and to use new technologies to make governments more open and accountable.
Member nations complete a National Action Plan every two years. A National Action Plan is the product of engagement between government and citizens to develop new commitments.
“These Plans set commitments that are designed to bring about positive change for people in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Mr Hughes.
“This is an opportunity for members of the public to influence public policy and to improve the transparency of our government.”
Transparency International recently named New Zealand as perceived to be among the least corrupt countries in the world, along with Denmark. Also, a number of recent results have underlined New Zealand’s international reputation for trust and confidence in its Public Service. The latest Te Kawa Mataaho Kiwis Count Survey shows a sharp increase in trust and confidence in New Zealand’s Public Service.
“Levels of trust in government are relatively high in New Zealand, but we mustn’t take that for granted. It’s easy to see around the world what can happen when trust in government is low. Engaging with Open Government Partnership New Zealand is one way that we can ensure government is transparent, responsive, and accountable.”
ENDS
Media queries:
Grahame Armstrong 021 940 457 or grahame.armstrong@ssc.govt.nz
