Corruption is not an inherent fact in the management of each of the public services, nor is it the natural expression of the selfishness of human beings, as certain politicians repeat to justify some millionaire excesses of their peers. Nor is it something that happens in all countries. The reality is that there are some in which these types of criminal acts are a rarity, and it is the case of New Zealand. This country has been selected for the second consecutive year as the least corrupt country on the planet.
This ranking has been prepared by the non-governmental organization Transparency International, which has awarded the nation located in our antipodes an 89 out of 100. New Zealand’s fight against corruption is based on a powerful anti-corruption agency. The Serious Franud Office of New Zealand is like any anti-corruption agency. What sets it apart from the others, is that the law of the country is much more favorable towards its interests.
For example, those interrogated by this agency do not have the right to remain silent and have to provide the evidence that will be required of them, even if they are framed. These types of rules apply to both witnesses and defendants. That is, no one can escape in a case of corruption and must contribute and collaborate fully with this office.
New Zealand absolutely prohibits bribery, whether active or passive. Public workers sign a code of conduct specifying that they are prohibited from receiving any type of gift or preferential treatment from companies. If they are discovered in a corrupt act, the minimum fine for this type of crime is 1200 euros and the maximum, 14 years in prison. Yes, for receiving a gift.
The corruption perception index examines all kinds of public services, where the police are also integrated. In New Zealand, this security body is not only monitored by an external authority called the Independent Authority for Police Conduct, which examines complaints and complaints against the police.
This body was created in 1989 and for years it was thought to be useless, until in 2004 a sexual harassment scandal starring 222 agents exploded. The crimes dated back to the 1980s and were not properly investigated, so the Wellington Parliament decided to grant more power to this commission to investigate any complaint against the police.
In New Zealand there is not only one Ombudsman, but his office has a complex organizational chart with “mini” defenders who are responsible for collecting complaints and complaints, as well as supervising all types of public and private institutions. In the same way, there is an Ombudsman that is in charge of the banks, another in charge of insurance and savings, and another of the energy companies. Regarding the public sector, there is one pending prisons and another that is in charge of public hospitals, to ensure that each of the services can be fulfilled within the law.
New Zealand also has the Transparency Law that has been in force since 1982. The New Zealand government is aware that integrity and legality is a fragile good that has to be protected and must be maintained on a daily basis with vigilance and work.
Pierre El Sokhn