Helen Clark

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Father Michael Lapsley on corruption in South Africa

Father Michael Lapsley has taken up the cudgels against corruption in South Africa in support of the South African Council of Churches' campaign. See Michael's op ed in the Daily Maverick

Michael asked me: "What do you think is the best antidote to corruption and how do we teach ethical behaviour in your experience?" My response:"The best antidote to corruption is to build a culture which believes that theft is wrong. In New Zealand, corruption is not expected and is not tolerated. It is not part of the value system. Institutions need to be strong to back this - incorruptible police, prosecutors, and judges are needed. A strong press and a civil society help. A Parliament prepared to hold ministers to account matters." 

New Zealand is regularly ranked among the least corrupt nations in the world in the Transparency International index, which measures perceptions of corruption: https://www.transparency.org.nz/new-zealand-tops-2019-corr…/

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/…/2020-09-04-we-all-have-…/…