Our recent work
We've looked at whether Operation Respect has been designed and set up effectively to achieve its aims. NZDF is starting to build the momentum needed to create sustained change, but there is a long way to go.
We've published our reply to a member of Parliament who had several concerns about the Ministry of Health's Measles Catch-up Campaign.
Your views on our proposed work programme will help us understand how we can further refine our selection of topics for 2023/24. We also welcome feedback on topics we could consider in future years.
Opportunities to work for us
Assistant Auditor-General, Strategy and Communications
This is a key leadership position in an organisation that engages at the highest levels of central and local government. This role, which is also responsible for the communications function, is critical to positioning the Office.
Applications close Sunday 28 May.
Quality Assurance Manager
We’re looking for someone to join our Audit Quality Group who’s interested in improving the quality of public sector audits and other work carried out on behalf of the Auditor-General.
Applications close Sunday 28 May 2023.
Assistant Auditor-General, Parliamentary Group
Based in Wellington, the role forms part of the senior leadership team. You will lead a team of senior staff who oversee the Office’s Parliamentary and audit-related work in the central government sector.
Applications close Thursday 8 June.
Read about our priorities
Improving outcomes
In the next three years we’ll focus on how well the public sector is improving the lives of New Zealanders, in housing, health, education, outcomes for Māori, and reducing family violence.
Public accountability
An effective accountability system is critical to New Zealanders’ trust and confidence in the public sector and in government.
Keeping New Zealanders informed
We’re keen to see improvements in how well public organisations inform communities about matters of importance.
Sharing what "good" looks like
We’re in a unique position to identify and share examples of good practice.
What we do
The Controller and Auditor-General is an Officer of Parliament. This means he is independent of the Government and can't be directed by whichever political party is holding power.
The Auditor-General has two business units – the Office of the Auditor-General (this site) and Audit New Zealand (auditnz.parliament.nz).
Together, our work gives Parliament and the public an independent view of how public organisations are operating. That independence, along with watching the spending, is why the Auditor-General is sometimes called the public's watchdog.
Here's the video transcript, and there's more information in the About us section.
What does an auditor do?
An auditor checks that information organisations report annually is reliable, and lets us know if it isn’t. (Here’s the video transcript.)
What is the Controller function?
The Controller checks that money is spent lawfully, and can "turn off the money tap" if it isn't. (Here's the video transcript.)
Our blog posts
Our staff are regularly blogging about the interesting and thought-provoking aspects of their work...
Data (including fraud notifications and school audit results)
We're working to make some of our data available online. We welcome your feedback.
Resources for students and teachers
We've turned some of our reports into teaching resources, mainly for social studies. Check them out!
