Counter Fraud Centre

The Counter Fraud Centre Tauārai Hara Tāware is the prevention arm of the Serious Fraud Office, leading counter fraud efforts in New Zealand’s public sector. We work with public sector organisations to help them understand and reduce the impact of fraud and corruption by building capability and resilience.

The Counter Fraud Centre was established to support agencies to build their own counter fraud capability and shift the culture around fraud prevention. We share our knowledge and expertise on the causes and impacts of fraud and corruption and how to effectively address the risks. Our international connections help us gain key insights and new learnings to strengthen our efforts here in New Zealand.

Engagement and advice

We support public sector organisations to increase their resilience to fraud and corruption. We can work with you to conduct fraud risk assessments, design countermeasures and improve or update fraud control strategies and frameworks.

Workshops and webinars

We offer webinars and workshops for public sector employees to build their knowledge in a practical environment. Our facilitators can also provide tailored webinars and in-house workshops for your team or business unit.  

Presentations

We present tailored insights and practical examples in-person and online, at staff events from team meetings to senior leadership conferences. These bespoke information sessions will help staff to promote fraud and corruption awareness and resilience.

Guides, tools and case studies

We provide information to help build counter fraud capability, including guides on:

  • fraudster personas
  • fraud risk assessments
  • managing fraud during emergency relief and recovery
  • pressure testing
  • insider threat.

Case studies from successful Serious Fraud Office prosecutions are also a helpful tool to recognise where fraud and corruption could happen in your organisation.

Why should the public sector care about fraud?

Fraud is one of the most common offences committed in New Zealand. We must not be complacent when it comes to protecting public funds.

Fraud and corruption involving public funds diverts money from vital areas such as health, community support services, infrastructure and emergency response. It also undermines confidence and trust in public institutions. Preventing fraud through effective counter fraud practices reduces losses, which helps New Zealand to maintain its reputation as a safe place to invest and do business.

Fraud prevention is about building strength and resilience into existing systems and controls.

 

Mission

Shift the culture

We aim to create an effective counter fraud culture.

Workshops and presentations

Build capability

We seek to strengthen counter fraud and corruption awareness and resilience by providing resources, guidance, advice and training opportunities for public sector employees.

Resources

No cost

All our services and information are free for public sector organisations. Wherever you are with your counter fraud efforts, we are here to help. To find out more email us at counterfraud@sfo.govt.nz.

Additional resources

Stay up to date and read the latest insights and trends from fraud and corruption publications produced in New Zealand and internationally.