The data we collect provides us with information about why people join and stay in the Public Service, and their thoughts about the Public Service Act 2020.

Motivation for joining and staying in the Public Service

In Te Taunaki Public Service Census 2021, we found public servants were strongly motivated by a spirit of service. Eighty-four percent of participants were motivated to stay working in the Public Service because their work contributes positively to society, helps people in the community (77%), and a belief in the purpose and principles of the Public Service (63%). Most people (89%) understood how their work leads to improved outcomes for communities.

Contribution to society (57%) was the most common reason that people joined the Public Service, with other top reasons being interesting work (55%), alignment with skills (51%), and job security (45%).

PS Joining(XLSX, 14 KB)

PS Staying(XLSX, 13 KB)

Unified Public Service

Te Taunaki 2021 included a range of questions relating to the introduction of the Public Service Act 2020. These show that most public servants: 

  • found it easy to work with other colleagues in other agencies to achieve good outcomes (72%) 
  • had a strong personal attachment to the agency they work for (63%) 
  • felt a strong personal attachment to the New Zealand Public Service as a whole (58%) 
  • could understand how their work leads to improved outcomes for communities (89%) 
  • had a high degree of trust in their colleagues to do what’s right (78%).