Bullying and harassment at work
Days left
182open
Submissions due: 31 March 2021, 5pmMBIE is releasing an Issues Paper on bullying and harassment (including sexual harassment) at work in New Zealand. We particularly want to hear about how effective the systems are that prevent and respond to bullying and harassment at work.
On this page
About the consultation
In New Zealand, everyone has the right to be healthy and safe at work, and this includes work that is free from bullying and harassment.
The below issues paper sets out what we know about the nature and extent of bullying and harassment at work, how effective the current systems are that prevent and respond to these issues, and what the evidence says about what good practice looks like.
We want to hear from any person or group who is familiar with or has experience or knowledge of systems that prevent or respond to bullying and harassment at work. We want to hear how effective the policies and systems are, what areas are working well and not so well, and what opportunities for improvement there may be.
The views provided in this consultation will be used to guide future policies and changes to health and safety and employment relations systems to address bullying and harassment at work. Below are the documents to read and the templates for you to complete if you would like to share your views with us:
- Section A: in depth version of the issues paper; OR
- Section B: summary issues paper; OR
- Section C: online survey
You can choose which of the above sections you wish to respond to, depending on how much detail you want to engage with on these topics.
Section A - Issues paper: in depth
Bullying and harassment at work issues paper - in depth look [PDF, 1.3 MB]
This in-depth issues paper examines in detail what we know about the extent of bullying and harassment at work in New Zealand, what good practice to address these issues is, and what systems are currently in place in New Zealand to prevent and respond to these issues.
A number of questions are asked throughout this paper on these topics that can be used to guide submissions.
Submission template: Bullying and harassment at work issues paper in depth look [DOCX, 88 KB]
This template lists the questions asked throughout the in-depth issues paper, and can be used for submissions. You can answer as many or few of these questions as you like.
Section B - Issues paper: summary
Bullying and harassment at work issues paper - summary [PDF, 1.2 MB]
This summary issues paper covers the same topics as the in-depth paper, but in a much shorter format.
This summary paper also comes with a summarised list of questions that can be used to guide submissions.
Submission template: Bullying and harassment at work issues paper summary [DOCX, 83 KB]
This template lists out the questions asked in the summary issues paper, and can be used for submissions. You can answer as few or as many of these questions as you like.
Section C - Online survey
Bullying and harassment at work - online survey(external link)
This short survey provides a series of questions about the policies and systems to prevent and respond to bullying and harassment at work people may have used or be familiar with. This survey provides a shorter option for people to provide feedback on how well they feel policies and systems are working, without needing to engage in the background detail covered by the issues papers.
This submissions process is to inform MBIE’s policy development process, not to address individual cases of bullying and harassment. For information about resolving a personal experience of bullying or harassment, you can visit the Bullying, harassment and discrimination page on the Employment New Zealand website.
Bullying, harassment and discrimination(external link)
If you find this topic distressing, support is available from helplines such as Need to Talk? on 1737, Lifeline 0500 543 354, Samaritans 0800 726 666 and Safe to Talk 0800 044 334, or visit the Mental Health Foundation website.
How to make a submission
How to make a submission
MBIE is seeking written submissions from the public (including businesses, workers, and other interested parties) on the issues raised in the issues papers by 31 March 2021. The questions posed throughout the issues papers and by the survey can be used to guide submissions.
You can make your submission:
- by completing the online survey
- by sending your submission as a Microsoft Word document to: HSWregs@mbie.govt.nz
- by mailing your submission to:
Bullying and Harassment at Work
Health and Safety Policy Team
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
PO Box 1473
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
If you have any questions about this submissions process, please direct these to HSWregs@mbie.govt.nz
Your submission may respond to any or all of these questions. We also encourage your input on any other relevant issues. Where possible, please include evidence to support your views – for example, references to independent research, facts and figures, or relevant examples. Any personal experiences provided will be treated in a confidential and sensitive manner. If your response is based on a personal experience, please comment on the relevant systems and processes rather than the individuals involved.
Note: Your submission may be requested under the Official Information Act. If this happens, MBIE would normally release your submission (excluding personal details) to the person who asks for it. If you consider there are good reasons to withhold it, please clearly indicate these in your submission.