Our recent work
Our annual plan outlines our discretionary programme of work for 2021/22 – performance audits, special studies, regular reports and updates, and good practice guidance.
Covid-19 caused significant disruption for most public organisations, including councils and the organisations they own. Our report presents the main findings from our 2019/20 audits of councils and other work about local government.
Ever wondered what the Auditor-General does? (Here's the video transcript.)
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.)
What we're working on
Auditors are now working on audits of public organisations such as government departments and district health boards.
Looking at the sustainable development goals
We're working on a report about how ready New Zealand is to implement the United Nations' 17 sustainable development goals.
Looking at public accountability
We're working on a report that follows on from our 2019 discussion paper about the future of public accountability.
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.
Response to Covid-19
Responding to Covid-19 has led to once-in-a-generation spending, which New Zealanders will be paying off for generations to come.
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!
