New Zealand Voice and Accountability
Voice and Accountability VA.EST
New Zealand's voice and accountability was 1.76 in 2025, ranked 2nd globally. This represents a 4.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's voice and accountability stood at 1.76 in 2025, a rise of +0.07 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.76 by 2025. New Zealand ranked 2nd globally.
New Zealand scored 1.76 on the World Bank’s Voice and Accountability index in 2025, ranking second globally and marking its all-time peak after 26 years of recorded data. This represents a steady improvement from its earliest recorded value of 1.63 in 1996 and a notable recovery from its lowest point of 1.48 in 2007, a period influenced by public concerns over political transparency and media freedom. The 2025 score places New Zealand just behind Norway at 1.86 and slightly ahead of Switzerland’s 1.74, underscoring its strong institutional framework for civic engagement and governmental accountability. Over the past three decades, New Zealand has consistently strengthened legal protections for free speech, maintained a robust and independent press, and fostered high public trust in electoral processes. The upward trajectory since the 2007 trough reflects sustained reforms in open government and responsiveness to civil society. Continued investment in inclusive public consultation and digital transparency will likely preserve this positive trend, though rising disinformation or erosion of press independence could challenge future gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Voice and Accountability | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.79 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.76 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.76 | +0.07 | #2 |
| 2023 | 1.69 | +0.04 | #2 |
| 2022 | 1.65 | +0.06 | #2 |
| 2021 | 1.59 | −0.00 | #3 |
| 2020 | 1.60 | +0.06 | #3 |
| 2019 | 1.54 | −0.07 | #5 |
| 2018 | 1.61 | +0.05 | #2 |
| 2017 | 1.56 | +0.03 | #3 |
| 2016 | 1.53 | −0.02 | #5 |
| 2015 | 1.56 | +0.03 | #5 |
| 2014 | 1.52 | −0.08 | #8 |
| 2013 | 1.61 | −0.01 | #6 |
| 2012 | 1.62 | +0.04 | #6 |
| 2011 | 1.58 | +0.07 | #5 |
| 2010 | 1.51 | +0.03 | #7 |
Analysis
New Zealand's voice and accountability was 1.76 in 2025, a rise of +0.07 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 1.76 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's voice and accountability was 1.76 in 2025. Ranked 2nd globally. This represents a 4.0% increase from the previous year.
New Zealand's voice and accountability peaked at 1.76 in 2025.
The lowest voice and accountability in New Zealand was 1.48 in 2007.
New Zealand ranks 2nd globally in voice and accountability as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is VA.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
New Zealand's voice and accountability is projected to reach 1.76 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The voice and accountability of New Zealand in 2025 was 1.76. This ranks 2nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_voice-accountability,
title = {New Zealand Voice and Accountability},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/voice-accountability/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}