Our discretionary work programme
Each year, we identify potential topics of interest and concern, based on our assessment of risk, in each of the sectors below.
Business + economic development
This sector provides support to exporters, promotes research and innovation, manages investment policies, and enforces fair trading. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment leads, with support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Commerce Commission.
Topics: 1
Central agencies + system settings
The central agencies oversee the structure of government and how it works. They are the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Public Service Commission, the Treasury, the Ministry for Regulation, and the Social Investment Agency.
Topics: 4
Defence + security
This sector includes the Ministry of Defence, the New Zealand Defence Force, intelligence services, and some functions of the New Zealand Police. It also covers organisations providing maritime, airport, and online security services.
Topics: 4
Emergencies
This sector is responsible for managing natural disasters and infrastructure failures, organising public education about civil defence preparedness and emergency management planning, providing natural hazards insurance cover, and response and recovery efforts. It includes some functions of the New Zealand Police.
Topics: 1
Environment + natural resources
This sector works to protect and preserve New Zealand’s forests, mountains, waterways, and fauna. Organisations regulate activities that affect our environment, provide advice on climate issues, support and promote energy efficiency, and regulate water services.
Topics: 1
Health
This sector aims to keep New Zealand healthy, running the health and disability system, preparing policy, protecting people's rights, and contributing to better mental health and well-being outcomes. It includes Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Health, Accident Compensation Corporation, Health and Disability Commissioner, and Pharmac.
Topics: 4
Housing
This sector aims to provide affordable housing - funding and managing housing developments, managing public housing and acting as landlord, and partnering with others on urban development projects. Organisations include the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Kāinga Ora, and the Ministry of Social Development.
Topics: 1
Infrastructure
This sector manages networks for providing gas, water, electricity, phone, internet, television, and radio. It is led by Te Waihanga - New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry of Transport - Te Manatū Waka, and the Electricity Authority.
Topics: 2
International + trade
Organisations in this sector manage New Zealand’s relationships with the rest of the world, support exporters to expand, manage trade barriers, and support tourism. The main organisations are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
Topics: 0
Justice
This sector provides day-to-day policing and community safety, investigates crime, fraud and corruption, manages the court system and runs tribunals, and manages our prison system. It includes the Ministry of Justice, New Zealand Police, Department of Corrections, Oranga Tamariki, Crown Law, and the Serious Fraud Office.
Topics: 2
Local government
This sector provides local services and infrastructure such as libraries, water, waste management, street lighting and parks. It includes all councils and council-controlled organisations, ports and airports, some functions of the Department of Internal Affairs, and the Local Government Commission.
Topics: 3
New Zealand's border
Organisations in this sector collect customs and excise taxes, manage biosecurity risks, oversee travel through our borders, screen passengers and their luggage at airports, and support the safety, security, and environmental protection of coastal and inland waterways.
Topics: 2
Populations + communities
Organisations in this sector focus on enhancing well-being, fostering diversity, supporting vulnerable groups, and advocating for and promoting human rights. It includes Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Human Rights Commission.
Topics: 2
Social development
This sector works to support and improve people's well-being, providing employment and income support and superannuation services, student allowances and loans, and public housing assistance. It includes the Ministry of Social Development, Oranga Tamariki Kāinga Ora, and Te Kāhui Kāhu.
Topics: 3
Transport
This sector develops transport-related laws, manages the national road network and driver/vehicle licensing, and the safety and security of coastal and inland waterways. It licenses and certifies seafarers and commercial operations, works to prevent road deaths and injuries, and oversees aviation safety and security.
Topics: 2Page updated: 20 April 2026