About the PCO

Vision statement

A Parliamentary Counsel Office committed to the following objectives:

To improve access to legislation by ensuring

• that legislation is drafted as clearly and simply as possible
• the timely and high quality publication of legislation
• the timely and high quality compilation of legislation.

To improve the delivery of services to Ministers, government departments, select committees of Parliament, and the Office's other clients by

• liaising with clients
• keeping clients well-informed
• reviewing and improving the systems used to deliver those services.

To establish and maintain a reputation, among the Government, the Parliament, the Courts, and the wider public, for

• providing high quality legislative drafting services and advice in a professional, impartial, and responsive manner
• ensuring, so far as it can, that New Zealand legislation is based on sound legal principles
• ensuring that New Zealand legislation is readily accessible.

To undertake the continuous, systematic review and improvement of management systems, information systems, work practices, and use of resources.

To promote a collegial approach to the work of the Office.

To promote

• communication among the staff of the Office
• a high level of consultation with staff
• participation by staff in decision-making.

To establish and maintain a supportive working environment that

• ensures the recruitment of persons best qualified and able to contribute to the achievement of the Office's mission
• provides proper training to staff
• promotes the professional development of staff
• encourages staff to perform to the highest levels of their ability
• recognises the contributions of staff by principled and fair performance assessment.