The New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited (Bioeconomy Science Institute) is committed to ethical, sustainable, and inclusive procurement practices. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the minimum expectations Bioeconomy Science Institute has for its suppliers, their employees, subcontractors, and partners.
Scope
This Code applies to all entities providing goods or services to Bioeconomy Science Institute, including subcontractors and affiliates. Suppliers are responsible for ensuring their network complies with the requirements set out in this Code.
Ethical Business Practices
Suppliers are expected to:
- Operate lawfully and ethically
- Avoid corruption, bribery, fraud, and collusion (including bid-rigging)
- Declare any conflicts of interest
- Maintain transparent and accurate records
- Uphold competition and fair-trading laws
- Not offer Bioeconomy Science Institute staff gifts, bribes, or inducements
- Provide accurate and reliable information and advice
Labour and Human Rights
Suppliers must:
- Adhere to international labour and human rights standards (UDHR, ILO)
- Avoid the use of child, forced, bonded, or involuntary prison labour
- Prevent any form of discrimination, harassment, or inhumane treatment
- Ensure legal wages, fair pay, and proper working hours
- Respect workers’ privacy and freedom of association
- Ensure workers are legally entitled to work in New Zealand (for local suppliers)
Health, Safety, and Security
Suppliers must:
- Comply with applicable health and safety laws
- Maintain safe working environments and systems
- Provide evidence of health and safety practices upon request
- Protect Bioeconomy Science Institute assets, information, and equipment
Environmental Sustainability
Suppliers are encouraged to:
- Reduce environmental impacts and emissions
- Implement and improve environmental management systems
- Comply with relevant laws for environmental protection
Social Responsibility
Suppliers are encouraged to:
- Respect cultural values and diversity
- Uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
- Engage with Māori and Pasifika businesses
- Support local communities and fair employment practices
Expectations of Behaviour
Suppliers and their representatives must:
- Act ethically, professionally, and respectfully
- Treat others fairly and without discrimination
- Avoid harassment, bullying, and misconduct
- Keep confidential and commercially sensitive information secure
- Retain records for required durations and dispose of them securely
- Use Bioeconomy Science Institute equipment and systems only for authorised purposes
- Avoid substance misuse while on Bioeconomy Science Institute property
- Avoid negligent, reckless, or harmful conduct
Compliance and Monitoring
Suppliers must:
- Provide evidence of compliance when requested
- Ensure subcontractors comply with this Code
- Promptly correct any non-compliance or risk material breach
- Assist Bioeconomy Science Institute in preventing unethical practices