List of political scandals in New Zealand

The following is a list of governmental and public sector scandals in New Zealand.

While New Zealand generally scores very well on international indices of corruption, there have been several notable high-profile scandals including cases of cover-ups relating to politics, economics, or public sector debacles, or to the private lives of individual government representatives.

A cartoon depicting the "Voucher incident" showing New Liberal moderates distancing themselves from Fisher.
"Uncle Scrim" (Rev. Colin Scrimgeour ) was at the centre of a political scandal in 1935.
Sir Robert Muldoon was at the centre of several political controversies during his time as Prime Minister (1975–1984).
Populist New Zealand First MP Winston Peters was responsible for the release to parliament of the papers which led to the Winebox Inquiry .
Investigative journalist Nicky Hager , whose books – most notably The Hollow Men and Dirty Politics – have explored several political scandals since the 1990s.
ACT Party leader John Banks was in the headlines for the wrong reasons in both 2011 and 2014.
Green Party Leader Metiria Turei was at the centre of a benefit fraud scandal in 2017.
National Party MP Jami-Lee Ross was at the centre of a media frenzy in 2018.
Labour Party Minister Stuart Nash was embroiled in multiple ministerial indiscretions.
Labour Party MP Michael Wood failed to properly disclose shares that he owned.
Labour Party and Justice Minister Kiri Allan is charged by Police for careless use of a motor vehicle.
Green Party MP and Justice Spokesperson, Golriz Ghahraman pleaded guilty to shoplifting.
In May 2024 Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter faced disciplinary action after crossing the floor to intimidate a minister.