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Ironically, New Zealand, one of three top ranked countries, does not even appear on the global map at Transparency International.
NEWS
Unionists and left-wing commentators have praised top ranking in a global corruption index - but a right-wing business paper describes the result as "dubious".
A poll on a mainstream media also reveal significant doubts about the ranking.
Mixed reactions reveal a surprising twist to the frequently criticised CPI, Corruption Perceptions Index, by leading anti-corruption, Transparency International.
Only one media organisation sought public reaction to today's release of the global survey.
In a front page poll, TVNZ recorded a roughly half-half split between those who believe the CPI ranking - and those who don't.
Website visitors were asked if they "agree New Zealand is the least corrupt country in the world?"
"Yes, we're squeaky clean" was clicked on by 43% of those answering the poll question.
Some 57% - poll numbers were not given - clicked on "No, we're deluding ourselves."
The poll is half way down the TVNZ main page.
However, yet again, the survey failed to make the two main free-to-air news programmes, on TVNZ and TV3.
Perhaps the most damning figure came from an investment advisory service - noting that just a fifth of a percent of law and order spending of NZ$3.5 billion goes on serious fraud cases. Some 62 comments are recorded.
Meanwhile, the Public Service Association has grabbed the survey announcement as an opportunity to praise public service integrity in the face of slashed worker numbers.
"We've held the top spot on Transparency International's Index for five consecutive years," said PSA national Secretary Brenda Pilott.
"This shows our public services and those who work in them are a world-class asset and worthy of our thanks and respect."
"This top ranking is a great credit to New Zealand's public servants," says PSA National Secretary Brenda Pilott.
"Despite the government slashing over 2,000 jobs, excessive workloads that continue to spiral out of control, numerous departmental reviews that bring stress and uncertainty, we've managed to retain our top ranking on Transparency International's Index. As well as indiscriminate cuts, agencies are coping with thousands of long-term vacancies that lump pressure on individuals, teams and ultimately services. So it really is commendable that we've kept on top."
The Dominion Post was another mainstream media organisation reporting doubts.
"Our biggest risk is our companies just don't care," says Alex Tan, director of Transparency International NZ.
"Blasé – absolutely. When we talk about what they do overseas, they say, 'Oh, yes, we've got good policies'.
"No, they don't. Only 44 per cent [of NZX 50 companies] have any policies that talk about bribery and corruption."
Only 10 percent actually prohibit "facilitation" payments.
Although New Zealand signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2003, it is one of only 18 countries not to have ratified it.
Mr Tan said 122 countries had signed and ratified the convention.
"For a country that consistently tops the CPI, the fact that seven years after signing [the convention] we still have not ratified it is somewhat hard to fathom."
High profile liberal blog, No Right Turn, noted that New Zealand actually dropped in ranking - from a score of 9.4 out of 10 to 9.3.
Controversial right-wing blogger, Whale Oil, makes damning reference to a lack of transparency on government tender contracts, including an insolvency agent buying stocks in failing companies he is supposed to be disposing of.
Collapse of finance companies, massive overcharging by telecommunications, power and supermarket companies, the resignation of a supreme court judge to avoid investigation, environmental degradation, and a series of botched cases pointing to police corruption are among a host of criticisms leveled against New Zealand, much from within the country.
LINKS
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NZ tops anti-corruption index - but our offshore dealings more dubious
No Right Turn: Something to be proud of
NZ, Denmark, Singapore least corrupt countries in index
PSA Congratulates Public Servants For Top International Ranking
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