New Zealand has shared the title as the least corrupt country in the world by Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index.
New Zealand claimed the title - for the third year running - alongside Denmark and Finland, with a score of 88 out of 100.
The 2021 index scored 180 countries and territories based on expert perceptions of public sector and judicial corruption.
However, despite the achievement, the organization warned that New Zealand can't afford to be complacent.
"We need to make sure that we restrict the flow of non-transparent money in and out of New Zealand," said Julie Haggie, chief executive of Transparency International New Zealand.
"We need more transparent public procurement, more protection for whistleblowers and more transparency of political party funding."
Chair of Transparency International New Zealand Anne Tolley said international recognition of low levels of corruption is vital for New Zealand's trade-dependent economy.
"Solid credit ratings and lower costs of contracting and compliance allow us to remain competitive internationally. Maintaining active vigilance against corruption has significant financial value to the country."
The organization said the Government's decision to move New Zealand to red in the COVID Protection Framework was not evidence of corruption.
"We expect complaints from people who believe that curtailing our rights under red light restrictions are evidence of corruption," Haggie said.
"We don't agree with that - the restrictions are necessary to protect public health. New Zealanders are more likely to accept restrictions if they know that they are timebound, rolled back as soon as possible, and if there is transparency around the decision-making processes."
This 2021 index showed that corruption levels remain at a standstill worldwide, with 86 percent of countries making little to no progress in the last 10 years. South Sudan finished last with a score of 11.
