The document, which establishes uniform standards of professional ethics and integrity for all public officials, was developed by the Public Service Commission (Te Kawa Mataaho). It will enter into force on 30 March 2026 and will replace the previously applicable rules, Understanding the Code of Conduct: Guidance for State Servants (2007).

One of the key features of the new version is the shift in focus from individual ethics (i.e., the assumption that an official can independently resolve ethically ambiguous situations) to the systemic development of appropriate institutional frameworks. As experts note, what now matters is not only personal integrity, but also how public bodies and organizations design processes that minimize the risks of abuse and promote ethical behavior.

At the same time, unlike the previous version of the rules, the Code is not merely declarative: its provisions are mandatory, and violations may result in disciplinary sanctions up to dismissal or other forms of legal liability.

The Code is structured around the core values of the public service, each of which is elaborated through specific standards of conduct:

• Trustworthy – includes requirements of honesty and professionalism, lawfulness of actions, fair and reasonable use of public authority, as well as refraining from activities (including outside employment) that may undermine trust in the official or the public body.
• Respectful – aims to ensure dignified and respectful treatment of individuals, the creation of a safe working environment, and the prohibition of discrimination, harassment, and other forms of inappropriate conduct.
• Impartial – establishes requirements for objectivity in decision-making, management of conflicts of interest, prohibition of using official position for personal gain, and restrictions on receiving gifts and benefits.
• Accountable – предусматривает обязанность быть открытым к внешнему контролю, обосновывать принимаемые решения, обеспечивать надлежащее обращение с информацией и государственными ресурсами, а также повышать эффективность деятельности.
• Responsive – focuses on addressing citizens’ needs, fostering engagement with society, and involving stakeholders in the development and implementation of public decisions.

The Code also separately sets out the principles governing the functioning of the public service:

• Political neutrality – requires officials to act independently of their personal political views and to serve equally the current and future governments.
• Free and frank advice – entails the duty to provide ministers with objective, well-founded, and independent advice, including highlighting risks and alternative courses of action.
• Merit-based appointments – establishes the need for fair and transparent recruitment processes based on professional qualifications.
• Open government – aims to ensure transparency of government activities, accessibility of information, and public engagement.
• Stewardship – provides for long-term responsibility for the sustainability and effectiveness of the public sector, including preserving institutional memory and developing human resources.