Codes of conduct
Codes of conduct set standards of expected behaviour. These behaviours reflect the operations, values and culture of organisations or specific roles.
What is integrity and conduct
As public servants, we all play an important role in upholding high standards of integrity and conduct. By upholding these standards across the public sector, we earn and maintain the trust and confidence of our Ministers, Parliament and the people we serve. We also improve how effectively we operate in our communities, provide services, build meaningful relationships and make a difference. We should always be acting in the interests of people in New Zealand, and not for our personal gain.
He Aratohu - a guide for public servants
To support high standards of integrity and conduct across the system, He Aratohu puts all expectations and resources into one place.
He Aratohu is a composite of two words ara and tohu. Ara is a route, path or course. Tohu are symbols, signs, distinguishing features or directions. An aratohu is a pathway that has been scouted and the distinguishing features marked to make the journey of the traveller safer. He Aratohu includes important resources that help navigate issues of integrity and conduct.
The resources available in He Aratohu include the expectations set by Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Kawa Mataaho, the Public Service Commissioner through the codes of conduct, public service principles, public service values, model standards and guidance either issued or endorsed by the Public Service Commissioner.
Please note that He Aratohu is evolving. The Code of Conduct and model standards are currently issued under the State Sector Act 1988 and continue to reflect previous language. Further editions will provide updated language, including a refreshed Code of Conduct that aligns with the principles and values set out in the Public Service Act 2020. In the meantime, this version contains all current material.
Read He Aratohu here (currently being updated)
Integrity matters because every public servant has a duty to earn the trust and confidence of New Zealanders and they can only do this if they act with integrity every day.
