1. What is the legal framework governing bribery in New
Zealand?
The Crimes Act 1961 (CA) is the key piece of legislation
governing bribery in New Zealand. Part 6 of the CA (ss 99 –
106) deals with bribery and corruption in respect of public sector
corruption in New Zealand (NZ). The Serious Fraud Office and the
New Zealand Police have joint responsibility for investigating
bribery matters.
The Secret Commissions Act 1910 (SCA) deals with bribery in
respect of private sector corruption. The key corruption offence
criminalizes the bribing of an agent who is working on behalf of a
principal.
The Organised Crime and Anti-corruption Legislation Bill was
introduced in 2014 and is now at its third reading. This bill will
look to amend parts of the CA and in particular bribery provisions
that deal with foreign public officials.
