Open government affects each of us in different ways, as we deal with government throughout our home, work and leisure lives.
Just as it affects us in different ways, we also have different views on what open government means to us.
Many countries around the world are working on open government initiatives that are focussed on the needs of that country's citizens and government.
Open government is about strengthening democracy in New Zealand by ensuring citizens can contribute and influence what government does and how it does it.
Transparency, participation and accountability are at the heart of open government:
- Transparency means citizens understand the workings of their government and its relevance to them
- Participation means citizens can influence the workings of government by engaging with public policy processes and public service providers
- Accountability means citizens can hold the government to account.