New Zealand Treasury 'losing ministers' trust', independent review finds

An independent review in New Zealand has warned that the country's Treasury is losing the trust of ministers. The review included assessments of the institution's role in the economic policy process.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the Treasury needed to strengthen its contribution to economic debate and generate new ideas for the future. The minister stressed that the department's analytical capacity was important to the government's decision-making.

The findings have renewed discussion about the advisory role of public institutions and about institutional trust. The Treasury is expected to put forward an improvement plan in line with the report's recommendations. Officials said the process was aimed at increasing the institution's effectiveness rather than reducing its role in shaping economic policy.