By: Fuimaono Tuiasau

Fuimaono Tuiasau — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 01:32:45 +0000

Em nau,
Jason makes a fair point that Transparency International (TI) could take more of a leadership role in addressing corruption in the Pacific. However TI is not on its own in following priorities and focusing on Asia, Africa and South America and in preferring projects/programs over capacity building.
Jason refers to the 2004 Cook Islands Report but does not refer to the intervening 12 years where there have been major improvements in TI’s assessment protocols since then. Now, TI insists on independent researchers and then the protocols require many layers of peer review of evidence collected.
When TINZ carried out its 2013 National Integrity Assessment for New Zealand over 40 researchers and reviewers were involved including academics, public servants, journalists, Maori and Pacific leaders, financiers, former Ombudsmen and economists.
In terms of Board members of TI Chapters – which Jason has issues with – most are elected Directors from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences which is exactly what is required. In New Zealand, for example I am TINZ’s only legally trained elected Director with strong connections and interests in the Pacific. I work to ensure TINZ supports activities and programmes that address and prevent corruption in the Pacific.
Finally, I do not recall TINZ receiving any question about Helen Clark’s legislation. TINZ has been consistent and clear about the need to tighten up disclosure around foreign entities, ensuring that there is a register of beneficiaries and settlors of foreign trusts and companies to ensure that the returns from corruption and impunity are not allowed into NZ. TINZ has commented often and loud about this as part of the Panama Papers discussion and in our submission to the Shewan Inquiry. The anti-money laundering legislation passed last year, and the recommendation of the Shewan report are all important steps towards more accountability and transparency in NZ. The work continues.
Finally, I look forward to hearing from Jason if he has anything practical TINZ can look at to support.
Ia manuia le fuafuaga ma tiute mo lumana’i

Fuimaono Tuiasau
Transparency International NZ
Auckland

By: Jason Brown

Jason Brown — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 02:15:56 +0000

Transparency International is itself part of the corruption problem.

For the last 12 years, they have refused to answer why authors for a 2004 report on the Cook Islands were both associated with areas of corruption. As it turns out, one of the authors has recently been exposed as being linked to the #panamapapers.

At the time, nearly 90 TI chapters from around the world failed to answer email questions about what process they use to select report authors and avoid conflicts of interest. Only one chapter – from Papua New Guinea – bothered to answer. There was also complete silence from TI headquarters.

Much more recently, TINZ has also failed to answer questions about its views on United Nations Secretary General candidate Helen Clark, and her administration’s role in passing tax haven laws, and what confidence they have in her addressing these still outstanding issues on a global basis.

In too many cases, Transparency International is loaded with the kinds of people – lawyers, bankers and accountants – that cause most of the damage from corruption. It is good at talking the talk, but seems unable to walk.

#nextSG #helen4SG #corruption

Comments on: WJEC16: Pacific corruption ‘like cancer’ – needs treating, says TINZ Pacific director

By: Fuimaono Tuiasau

By: Jason Brown