The outcomes we seek

It is important that public organisations continue to improve how they account for the public resources they use, meet the high standards of governance and integrity expected of them, and continue to improve their performance.

Results for our indicators generally show progress towards our outcomes in 2021/22. This year we faced difficulties with completing audits on time, which has affected our performance results for the accountability of the public sector.

What went well	What didn’t go to plan
Results from the Kiwis Count survey showed that experience-based trust in public services remains high. New Zealand remains one of the top-performing countries in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index.	There was a decline in the timeliness of reporting (71% in 2020/21 to 57% in 2021/22).

Outcome 1: Parliament and New Zealanders have trust and confidence in the public sector

The New Zealand public sector continues to be regarded as having one of the lowest levels of corruption in the world. Trust and confidence in the public sector remain high.

Outcome 2: A high-performing public sector

A high-performing public sector delivers services reliably, has strong leadership, builds institutional capacity and capability, and is transparent. It has a public management system that supports and enables it to do this.

Outcome 3: An accountable public sector

For Parliament and New Zealanders to have trust and confidence in the public sector, public organisations need to be effectively held to account for their spending and performance.

Each year, we assess trends for aspects of public sector accountability. These aspects include timely and reliable information, sound management, and good governance.