Success in combating corruption in New Zealand

Abstract

Purpose

New Zealand has had success in combating corruption. It has been ranked consistently as one of the five least corrupt countries in the world. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on this accomplishment.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the policies, socio-cultural attributes and historical and geographical elements that have contributed to New Zealand’s success in combating corruption.

Findings

New Zealand’s long-term geographical isolation, egalitarian socio-economic and cultural traditions, its close legal and cultural affinity with Britain, and its unique regulatory civil service largely explain its success in combating corruption. Nevertheless, global influences, the absence of a single anti-corruption agency, and changing values may be eroding New Zealand’s record of success.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful to policy makers and those concerned with New Zealand’s recent decline in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

Citation

Zirker, D. (2017), "Success in combating corruption in New Zealand", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 238-248. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-03-2017-0024