What is the 'public sector'?

The public sector consists of a number of different organisational forms. These forms vary in the extent to which they are at an arm's-length from Ministers, how they are governed, and the expectations that apply.  Public Service departments are close to Ministers (part of the legal Crown), while Crown entities are stand-alone corporate bodies and operate at arm's-length.  Most Crown entities are part of the State services, but Tertiary Education Institutions are part of the wider State sector. (See public sector map below.)

The Public sector map lists organisations by legal titles. For a searchable list of other names that organisations are commonly known by, or have previously been known by, see the Government A-Z https://www.govt.nz/organisations/

Public sector map

Back to: Crown entities guidance home | How do roles and responsibilities all fit together? | Guidance for Ministers | Guidance for statutory Crown entities | Guidance for monitoring departments | What is the 'public sector'? | What's expected on people and conduct issues? | How are Crown entities governed? | Guidance for other entities