Purpose and values

Our purpose

Internal Affairs serves and connects people, communities and government to build a safe, prosperous and respected nation.

Tō tātou Whāinga

Ko tā te Tari Taiwhenua he whakarato me te hono i ngā iwi, ngā hapori me te kāwanatanga ki te hanga motu haumaru, tōnui, whai mana hoki.

Our values

• We are agile and productive

Internal Affairs is responsive to Ministers and the public. We are effective: we deliver what is expected of us. We are efficient: we deliver to standard at the best price for customers and taxpayers. We are always ready to act. We embrace new tasks, and we anticipate future demands. We lead government in finding and applying proven methods and tools for better service. We innovate and identify, manage and mitigate the risks of innovation.

• We are clear and open

Our language is clear, direct and plain. We do what we say.  We deliver. We report our results.  We give free and frank advice based on evidence and experience. We are open to suggestion, encouragement and criticism from people, customers and stakeholders.

• We act with courage and integrity

We are accountable to Ministers and the law for our performance, our openness, honesty and integrity and for leadership in our sectors of government. We have the courage to do the right thing in the right way. We expect public scrutiny.

See also our The way we work. See our Corporate publications.