SFO supporting anti-corruption efforts in the pacific
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO), in partnership with the Public Service Fale have delivered a series of training workshops for the Kiribati Public Service Office (PSO) focusing on anti-corruption and investigation processes.
The initiative, enabled by the Public Service Fale, was the result of a request by the PSO to provide training to their teams who lead fraud and corruption investigations for the Pacific Island nation. The training was in line with the Kiribati 20-year Vision and National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
Two representatives from the SFO’s investigation team led training sessions attended by members of the PSO, Kiribati Police Service, Office of Attorney General and Kiribati Leadership Commission. A key focus of the sessions was on sharing best practice approaches for investigation processes and case reporting.
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have consistently articulated the importance of good governance for the region and the vital contribution it makes to sustainable development and economic growth. Through the Teieniwa Vision endorsed in 2020, the Pacific has committed to addressing corruption through measures such as implementing anti-corruption practices in the public service, private sector and communities.
Serious Fraud Office (SFO) Director Karen Chang says, "New Zealand has an important role to play as a partner in the Pacific region by supporting initiatives that lift capability and build resilience.”
“Our work with the Kiribati PSO reflects our commitment to enhancing stakeholder engagement and sharing SFO expertise. It also highlights our intention to take a targeted approach to the way we contribute internationally. In particular, how we partner with the NZ public service and our Pacific counterparts to support their anti-corruption efforts.”
Tania Ott Deputy Commissioner at the NZ Public Service Commission and Head of the Public Service Fale, says “We extend our thanks to the SFO for sharing their specialist expertise and engaging with the Fale to support the development of strong, transparent, and effective public services across the region.”
“The New Zealand public service has an important role to play as a partner in the Pacific by supporting public sector strengthening initiatives that lift capability and build resilience. Public sector strengthening goes to the heart of Pacific regional security and prosperity aspirations.”
The SFO has previously delivered training and provided case related support on an ad hoc basis for other Pacific Island countries. This work sits alongside the SFO’s Counter Fraud Centre that provides resources and guidance on building capability and creating an effective counter fraud culture.
More information
- The Public Service Fale was established in January 2020 and is a Pacific-led public service centre of excellence, based at the New Zealand Public Service Commission in Wellington, New Zealand. The Fale serves and supports 16 Pacific Public Service Commissioners (PPSCs) to achieve their public sector strengthening priorities. The Fale is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- The Fale works directly with the PPSCs and their agencies to deliver practical and needs based regional programmes and tailored bilateral support with the overarching goal that over time, public services are strengthened to be more trusted by Pacific citizens, adaptable, results-driven, gender inclusive and people-centred.
About the SFO
The SFO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex fraud, including bribery, and corruption in New Zealand. With a focus on maintaining integrity and trust in the financial system, the SFO has developed strategic areas of focus to ensure it has the greatest impact with the cases it takes in. These are reviewed and updated every 12-18 months.