Kia ora,
In this edition, we invite you to read the latest Fourth National Action Plan progress report. We note the Open Gov Challenge and that OGP is inviting you to contribute to the agenda for the next OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting in Manila in February 2025. We discuss two recent New Zealand initiatives aimed at increasing government transparency and efficiency. Finally, we highlight the opportunity to comment on the Public Service Commission’s next Long-term Insights Briefing.
National Action Plan Progress
The progress of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Fourth National Action Plan commitments is reported on the OGPNZ website. This update follows the December 2023 report back. There will be a final progress report on completion of the plan at the end of 2024.
Read the progress report here: August 2024 progress report (ogp.org.nz)
The Open Gov Challenge
The Open Gov Challenge was launched on the 13th anniversary of the Open Government Partnership. This challenge continues to encourage countries to make more ambitious commitments and advance OGP’s mission of fostering inclusive accountable governance that serves all people.
Learn more about the challenge here: Open Gov Challenge (opengovpartnership.org)
OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting
The Government and civil society of the Philippines will host this meeting in Manila from 5-7 February 2025. OGP has launched a survey to identify priorities for the agenda, topics and suggestions for speakers. The deadline for taking the survey is 4 October 2024.
Find out more about the meeting here: 2025 OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting (opengovpartnership.org)
Contribute to the meeting agenda here: 2025 OGP Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting (docs.google.com)
Recent developments in New Zealand
Two recent developments look set to make a real difference to government transparency and efficiency, in different ways. These are a new government direction on the use of AI and the work of the Social Investment Agency.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform complex tasks that, in the past, only a human could do, such as reasoning and solving problems. Today, “AI” describes a wide range of technologies being used in many of the services and goods we consume every day.
While AI use can lift government efficiency, transparency and accountability, its use can also raise concerns. For example, concerns about AI use in official decision-making led to a commitment in the Third National Action Plan to review government algorithm use.
Government agencies have been hesitant about using AI for public services. 'Interim guidance on Generative AI use in the public service' was issued by the Government Chief Digital Officer in July 2023.
Read the guidance here: Interim Generative AI guidance for the public service (digital.govt.nz)
However, recently Cabinet agreed to the Public Service taking a new, strategic approach to AI, and responsibly using this transformative technology to help deliver better outcomes for people and boost productivity.
Read the Cabinet paper here: Approach to work on Artificial Intelligence – Cabinet paper (mbie.govt.nz)
Read the minute of decision here: Approach to work on Artificial Intelligence – Minute of Decision (mbie.govt.nz)
Work of the Social Investment Agency
Openness in government is closely associated with achieving high standards of accountability. The public sector has been criticised at times for not measuring what it does with taxpayer’s money. See, for example, page 43 of Transparency International’s report released in August 2024.
Read the Transparency International report here: An assessment of the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions in New Zealand in deterring, detecting and exposing corruption (Transparency.org.nz)
In July 2024, the government established the new Social Investment Agency (SIA) as a central agency, to accelerate a social investment approach and to improve performance measures across the Public Service.
Read the SIA cabinet paper here: Accelerating Social Investment – Cabinet paper (sia.govt.nz)
The media release about the new SIA includes links to information about social investment and the Minister for Social Investment’s media release and Getting Back on Track speech.
Read the SIA media release here: We're changing to the Social Investment Agency – media release (sia.govt.nz)
Since the SIA was established, agency chief executives have worked closely with their portfolio Ministers in developing their measures. More information will be posted on the SIA website as work progresses.
Long term insights briefing topic consultation
The Public Service Commission is consulting on the choice of topic for its next long-term insights briefing (LTIB). LTIBs are ‘think pieces’ on the future that aim to help steward work on long-term issues. Topics being considered are the future of public service work and workforce; culture of integrity and integrity risks; and how to organise agencies to best address the complex problems facing New Zealand. Consultation closes on 13 October 2024.
Read more about the briefing and topic consultation here: Our second long-term insights briefing (publicservice.govt.nz)
Contact the team if you would like more information or would like to be kept updated on the topic selection process here: Longterminsights@publicservice.govt.nz.
Visit this page for more information about LTIBs including a list of published briefings and open consultations: Long-term insights briefings (publicservice.govt.nz)
Know anyone who’d like to receive these OGPNZ updates?
If you have colleagues, friends or family who are interested in receiving these regular OGPNZ updates, please share with them this subscription link.
If you have any questions about OGPNZ, please email us at ogpnz@publicservice.govt.nz.