Common questions about outsourced whistleblower and protected-disclosure services in New Zealand, the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022, and how our service works. Call 0800 WITNESS (0800 948 637) or email support@whistleblowers.co.nz.
What is an outsourced whistleblower service?
An outsourced whistleblower service is an independent, external channel that receives and manages reports of serious wrongdoing on behalf of an organisation. Whistleblowers (operated by Incident Response Solutions Limited) provides a secure, 24/7 disclosure system by phone, website, email and post, so staff can report concerns confidentially to an arm’s-length third party rather than to their own management.
What is the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022?
The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 is New Zealand’s whistleblowing law. It came into force on 1 July 2022, replacing the Protected Disclosures Act 2000. It facilitates the disclosure and investigation of serious wrongdoing in the workplace and protects the employees and other workers who report it from retaliation.
Does my organisation need a whistleblower service under the 2022 Act?
Under the Act, public sector organisations must have internal procedures for receiving and dealing with protected disclosures, and all organisations must handle disclosures appropriately and protect disclosers. Many private-sector organisations also adopt a formal whistleblower service to meet good-governance expectations. Using an independent provider gives staff a trusted, confidential channel and helps demonstrate that disclosures are handled correctly and at arm’s length.
How much does an outsourced whistleblower service cost in New Zealand?
Our Standard plan is a $100 monthly retainer, with disclosures and other work (such as policy review or summary reports) charged at $100 per hour. Adding the phone disclosure channel costs a further $25 per month for a 24/7 call centre. Our Premium plan is a $500 monthly retainer that includes the 24/7 call centre, up to five disclosures per month, a yearly policy review and a yearly summary report. A one-off setup fee of $1,000 applies, and GST is added to all costs.
How can an employee make a disclosure?
Disclosures can be made through any of four secure channels: by phone on 0800 WITNESS (0800 948 637), through a secure web form on this website, by email, or by post. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Can a whistleblower remain anonymous?
Yes. A whistleblower can choose to make a disclosure anonymously, or to provide their identity in confidence. Where identity is provided, it is treated as confidential in accordance with the Act. Anonymous disclosures can limit the ability to ask follow-up questions, so we help disclosers understand the options before they report.
What counts as “serious wrongdoing”?
Serious wrongdoing includes matters such as unlawful, corrupt or irregular use of public funds or resources; conduct that poses a serious risk to public health, safety or the environment; conduct that poses a serious risk to the maintenance of law; and offences or serious misconduct by an organisation or its staff. Typical examples reported to a whistleblower line include fraud, theft, corruption, health and safety breaches, and mistreatment of vulnerable people.
Who runs the service and what are your credentials?
The service is operated by Incident Response Solutions Limited, a New Zealand forensic and cyber-security firm licensed by the Ministry of Justice as Private Investigators (licence 20-072755). It is led by Campbell McKenzie, who was previously a Director of forensic services at PwC and a New Zealand Police forensic expert witness. The wider team includes experienced investigators, many from law-enforcement backgrounds, so disclosures are handled to a forensic standard.
Is the service independent?
Yes. Whistleblowers is 100% New Zealand owned and operated and independent of your organisation. Reports are received and triaged by our team, not by your internal management, which gives staff confidence that they can raise concerns safely and without fear of retaliation.
What is the difference between the Standard and Premium plans?
The Standard plan suits organisations that expect a low volume of disclosures: a $100 monthly retainer, then pay only for disclosures and work as they arise. The Premium plan is an all-inclusive $500 monthly retainer covering the 24/7 call centre, up to five disclosures per month, a yearly policy review and a yearly summary report – better suited to larger organisations or those wanting predictable costs.
How do we get started?
Get in touch on 0800 WITNESS (0800 948 637) or at support@whistleblowers.co.nz to discuss your requirements. Onboarding covers a one-off setup, provision of your secure disclosure channels, and optional policy drafting or review. A one-off setup fee of $1,000 (plus GST) applies.
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