The New Zealand form of the Westminster democracy enables quick responses when required; but flexibility comes at a cost – a weak ability to hold the government to account for its actions.
New Zealand’s small population size and limited resources mean that government is the main provider of information on its social, economic and environmental performance. The information that is provided is strongest at showing financial performance. In other areas of importance, the administration can collect and release information on important issues in a way that most favourably portrays its achievements.
Information and Institutions of Government Accountability scrutinises the consequences of poor government accountability and the costs this imposes on some it its citizens. Citizens have successfully challenged government and instituted new information sources with improved outcomes for these people.
Drawing on examples of past failures of government towards its citizens, Information and Institutions of Government Accountability presents the case for improved accountability. It concludes with a description of a new institutional structure needed to oversee the provision of trustworthy information.
The New Zealand form of the Westminster democracy enables quick responses when required; but flexibility comes at a cost – a weak ability to hold the government to account for its actions.
New Zealand’s small population size and limited resources mean that government is the main provider of information on its social, economic and environmental performance. The information that is provided is strongest at showing financial performance. In other areas of importance, the administration can collect and release information on important issues in a way that most favourably portrays its achievements.
Information and Institutions of Government Accountability scrutinises the consequences of poor government accountability and the costs this imposes on some it its citizens. Citizens have successfully challenged government and instituted new information sources with improved outcomes for these people.
Drawing on examples of past failures of government towards its citizens, Information and Institutions of Government Accountability presents the case for improved accountability. It concludes with a description of a new institutional structure needed to oversee the provision of trustworthy information.
Spis treści
Introduction
ONE: The New Zealand form of the Westminster constitutional system
TWO: Mechanisms to hold government to account
THREE: Impact of changes in velocity of circulation of information and network processes
FOUR: Increasing uncertainty and impact of conjecture
FIVE: Information as part of the system of government
SIX: Information to intelligently place and refuse trust
SEVEN: The importance of information to hold government to account
EIGHT: The makings of a path ahead
O autorze
Robert Hughes has more than 25 years of experience as a strategic management consultant.
He is principal of the consulting firm Hughes Consulting Limited and former partner in the
multinational business advisory firm KPMG. Hughes Consulting counsel significant organisations
in the private and public sectors. Robert holds a Doctorate and professional credentials as
a: Management Consultant, Information Technology Professional, Engineer, and Manager.
Robert brings experience in information, communications, logistics and infrastructure networks
which contribute to, and in turn are affected by the digital economy. The State has an important
role in shaping these interactions and their consequences for its citizens.