Hugo Vitalis, our Deputy Chief Executive Strategy, Policy and Integrity, explains what the Public Service principles are and why they matter.
New Zealand’s Public Service principles are central to the way we deliver services and outcomes for New Zealanders. They help to preserve public trust and confidence in our ability to serve current and future governments. The 5 principles are political neutrality, free and frank advice, merit-based appointments, open government and stewardship.
Hugo Vitalis, Deputy Chief Executive Strategy, Policy and Integrity
Why do the principles matter?
The Public Service principles enable us to serve the government of day, provide advice and deliver services that make a difference for New Zealand.
They are an expression of a culture of integrity that is fundamental to what it means to be a public servant. That is being politically neutral and open and transparent. Giving free and frank advice and selecting candidates on merit. And the stewardship of Public Service resources.
New Zealand's Public Service ranks highly in international measurements of trust. That trust is something that we can’t take for granted. The principles remind us of the importance of our integrity culture. Our leaders are responsible for upholding the principles and fostering a culture of integrity, but a culture of integrity only exists if we all own it.
Ultimately, it is the experience New Zealanders have of their Public Service that matters. Whether that's through the responsiveness and respect of the person who answers the phone in one of our call centres, or the competence and honesty of someone who engages with communities on a new development. Every interaction is a chance to build trust and confidence with the people we serve.
Every interaction is a chance to build trust and confidence with the people we serve.
So, what are the principles and what do they mean?
Political neutrality
We act in a politically neutral manner.
Political neutrality is about serving New Zealand’s democratically elected government to the best of our professional abilities, irrespective of our own personal political opinions. It is a hallmark of New Zealand’s system of government.
Free and frank advice
We give free and frank advice to Ministers.
Free and frank advice is about agencies providing advice to Ministers without fear or favour, using our best professional judgement. Free and frank advice focuses on the decision-maker’s objectives, while also being honest, politically neutral, constructive and free from undue influence.
Merit-based appointments
We make merit-based appointments.
Making a merit-based appointment means giving preference to the candidate who is best suited to the position. Merit-based appointments act as a safeguard to political patronage, favouritism and prejudice.
Open government
We foster a culture of open government.
Open government is about strengthening democracy in New Zealand by ensuring its people can understand and actively contribute to what government does and how it does it. A culture of open government supports transparency and accountability of the public service and promotes citizen participation.
Stewardship
We proactively promote stewardship of the Public Service.
Stewardship is a proactive duty of care for something that belongs to or exists for the benefit of others, now and into the future. It underpins our principles and is about the long-term capability and sustainability of our system of government.
Principles guidance
More information about the Public Service principles and the role of agencies, their leaders and public servants can be found in our principles guidance.
