Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has unveiled a new guide to assist individuals in reporting serious misconduct in the workplace. The guide, aligned with the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022, clarifies the process of disclosing serious wrongdoing—commonly known as "whistleblowing"—and outlines the protections available to those who come forward. Under the Act, disclosures can …
New Zealand report details the financial impact of bullying and harassment – how can a Whistleblower service assist?
The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 significantly enhances protections for whistleblowers in New Zealand, particularly in the critical areas of health, safety, and bullying at the workplace. In this Act, serious wrongdoing includes any act, omission, or course of conduct in (or by) any organisation that is a serious risk to the health …
Whistleblowing in New Zealand: A Vital Tool Against Historical and Current Sexual Harassment
In the quest for a safe and equitable workplace, New Zealand has taken significant strides, especially in addressing sexual harassment through whistleblowing. This practice, essential for uncovering hidden misconduct, has been pivotal in bringing historical and current cases of sexual harassment to light, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within various sectors. Historical Context …
Workplace Bullying in New Zealand: The Role of Whistleblower Platforms in Mitigation
Workplace bullying in New Zealand is a pervasive issue that significantly impacts the well-being of employees and the productivity of organizations. The effects of such bullying can range from mental health issues among employees to a decrease in morale and an increase in turnover rates, ultimately affecting the overall performance of businesses. However, the introduction …
Reporting a Potential Conflict of Interest as a Whistleblower
Conflicts of interest are a pervasive challenge in today's world. They occur when an individual's personal interests or relationships interfere with their ability to make objective and impartial decisions in their professional capacity. It is a serious issue that can compromise the integrity of organisations, government agencies, and businesses, leading to financial loss, harm to …
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Conducting an Investigation Following a Whistleblowing Disclosure
Reviewing evidence following a whistleblowing investigation requires a careful and systematic approach to ensure that all relevant information is considered and analyzed objectively. Here are some steps that can help you review evidence effectively: Gather all relevant evidence: Before reviewing evidence, you need to ensure that you have collected all the relevant information, including documents, …
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Transparency in New Zealand – Why you should have a Whistleblower line
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption worldwide, ranking countries from 0 to 100, with 0 being highly corrupt and 100 being very clean. The index is based on expert assessments and surveys of business people. The higher the score, the more transparent the government is perceived …
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Speaking Up for Truth and Justice: A Historical Look at the Evolution of Whistleblowing
Speaking Up for Truth and Justice: A Historical Look at the Evolution of WhistleblowingWhistleblowing, which refers to individuals who disclose information about wrongdoing, illegal activities, or unethical behaviour within organisations, has a long and rich history that spans across different cultures and societies. From ancient times to the modern era, whistleblowing has played a critical …
The Benefits of an External Whistleblowing Service
An external whistleblowing service is a third-party service that provides a secure and confidential channel for employees to report concerns about potential wrongdoing or ethical violations in the workplace. Here are some of the benefits of using an external whistleblowing service: Confidentiality: One of the key benefits of an external whistleblowing service is that it …
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The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 – Effective 1 July 2022
The new 2022 Act continues the 2000 Act’s purpose, which is to facilitate the disclosure and investigation of serious wrongdoing in the workplace, and to provide protection for employees and other workers who report concerns. The 2022 Act addresses the following issues and improvements from the 2000 Act: extending the definition of serious wrongdoing to …
Whistleblowers 