In this edition, we’re highlighting Open Gov Week, visit by Open Government Partnership (OGP) International, and the latest Kiwis Count results for New Zealand.
Open Government Week
This is OGP International’s Open Gov Week (8-12 May 2023), a global call to action to transform the way governments respond to their citizens’ needs. In New Zealand, we have been spotlighting examples of open government in action on our social media channels (including LinkedIn and Twitter) – which you’re welcome to reshare. These include: the Policy Project’s community engagement resources; Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures’ work using deliberative processes for community engagement; and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ (MPP) partnership work to protect and empower Pacific communities during COVID-19.
Demonstrating responsiveness and active citizenship, and recognising that many Pacific people prefer tailored health information and messaging, MPP worked in partnership with Pacific leaders and providers to boost the COVID-19 vaccination rollout to Pacific communities. This engagement work was successful because of community ownership – where Pacific communities were involved in the design and delivery of services and information. For more information, visit our online story It’s Open Govt Week.
International Open Government Partnership visit
In April, we welcomed Sanjay Pradhan (OGP Chief Executive Officer) and Alan Wu (OGP Senior Regional Coordinator, Asia and the Pacific). On 12 April, Sanjay and Alan met with the OGP NZ Expert Advisory Panel and the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission OGP team. On 13 April, Sanjay and Rt Hon Helen Clark (OGP Ambassador) participated in a panel discussion at the ‘Strengthening Democracy through Open Government’ event in Wellington. This event was organised by OGP, civil society organisations, and Victoria University of Wellington School of Government.
Kiwis Count
Every quarter, the Kiwis Count survey asks 1,000 people about their trust and confidence in New Zealand public services. The survey asks respondents why they’ve given a particular trust score based on their most recent service experience and their overall perception of the Public Service (the Public Service brand). The information gathered also identifies what drives high trust and where there are opportunities to improve public services.
The latest Kiwis Count survey shows 60 percent of New Zealanders trust the Public Service. Trust in the Public Service brand has trended up from 39 percent 10 years ago. And 84% of New Zealanders trust public services based on their personal experience, the highest result to date for this measure.
Fourth National Action Plan
Implementation of New Zealand’s Fourth National Action Plan started in early 2023. Public meetings to report back on progress of the Plan's commitments are set to take place every six months. The first public report-back is planned for June 2023. Meeting details and information about how you can join the discussion will be posted on the OGPNZ website and social media channels (including OGPNZ Twitter).
