Audit New Zealand has a unique position as a business unit of the Controller and Auditor-General.

New Zealand's Controller and Auditor-General (the Auditor-General) is an independent statutory officer of Parliament. The primary role of the Auditor-General is to ensure that public money is being used properly and effectively.

Audit New Zealand is the largest of two business units serving the Auditor-General. The other business unit is called the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).

The OAG is responsible for carrying out performance audits and inquiries in the public sector. They make sure that government entities are abiding by the rules and following best practice.

Meanwhile, at Audit New Zealand, we look at the financial statements of the same public entities, as well as handle special assignments in the areas of governance, risk, and contract and project management.

Like our international CA firm colleagues, we're set up to run as a professional services firm; we have our own management structure and systems and, where it makes sense, we work collaboratively with the OAG.

Our purpose

It's our job to help public sector organisations have better financial and non-financial management. We're helping to create a better, stronger New Zealand.

The Auditor-General allocates most audits of public entities to Audit New Zealand, and then uses competitive tendering for the audits of some entities with a strong commercial flavour.

Audit New Zealand also provides specialist assurance services to public entities in the areas of assurance over governance, risk, and contract and project management. These services are contestable.

Our clients

Our main client sectors are:

• central government;
• Crown entities;
• local government;
• health; and
• tertiary education.

Our client base also includes:

• energy companies;
• airport companies;
• licensing trusts;
• port companies;
• schools; and
• community trusts.

Page last updated: 1 December 2006