Whistleblowing is on the rise with a growing number of people going to the Ombudsman to report serious wrongdoing in
their workplace and seeking advice about making protected disclosures.
In 2022/2023 the Chief Ombudsman received 128 protected disclosures and enquiries, which was an 80% increase from the
previous year (with 71 received in 2021/22).
So far this year, 2023/2024, the Ombudsman has received 203 protected disclosures and enquiries - a further 58% increase
on the year before.
This week marks World Whistleblower Day and Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says he is very heartened to know that people
seem to feel more comfortable about reporting issues.
"This is a critical mechanism in ensuring that wrongdoing is exposed. I applaud all those people who have come forward
and reported wrongdoing or potential wrongdoing in their work places," he says.
"Unethical and unlawful behaviour in the workplace is never acceptable. The people who have the courage to speak out are
crucial to making integrity and accountability stronger within their organisations."
Mr Boshier says a number of common themes relating to serious wrongdoing are emerging in complaints to him including
financial mismanagement, unsafe work practices, sexual harassment and a lack of organisational response to sexual
harassment.
"I am very concerned by the growing number of people reporting what they describe as cases of sexual harassment and who
say they are alarmed that their complaints have not been taken seriously by their employer.
"That is totally unacceptable. I commend the bravery of people who are lifting the lid on wrongdoing that would
otherwise stay hidden. This can bring about lasting change."
Mr Boshier says the enactment of new whistleblower legislation in 2022 gave people the ability to raise matters directly
with him and other appropriate authorities on a range of subjects without first having to complain within their
organisation.
"This could be one reason I’ve seen a notable increase in protected disclosures. There may also be a growing intolerance
in society of unacceptable behaviour and practices."
Mr Boshier says a recent survey he commissioned shows that 25 percent of people said they had witnessed serious
wrongdoing at work. However, less than half (41%) who had witnessed serious wrongdoing made a protected disclosure.
Eighty-one percent of those surveyed said if they did witness serious wrongdoing, they would report it to their
employer, and 54 percent said they would report it to an appropriate authority. However, only 44 percent thought their
job would be safe if they did so. The survey also found that people felt safer if there was a guarantee of anonymity and
confidentiality.
"This demonstrates how important it is for workplaces to have effective processes to encourage employees to speak out,
protect them from retaliation, and keep their identities confidential.
"The Ombudsman plays a very important role in encouraging agencies to make sure their whistleblowing policies are
robust. My staff also, very importantly, provide people with confidential advice about reporting serious wrongdoing.
"I urge organisations to make sure that they do everything they can to support staff to speak up about matters that are
unethical or unlawful. This is critical to maintaining New Zealand’s reputation as a free and transparent society and
the only way that enduring change can be made."
The Ombudsman’s guide on making a protected disclosure can be found here:
Please reach out to the Ombudsman if you would like make a protected disclosure, or if you would like impartial,
confidential advice from a specialist team about:Who can make a protected disclosureWhat constitutes serious wrongdoingWhat protections are available if you report serious wrongdoingWho you may disclose your concerns about serious wrongdoing toWhat to do if you are unhappy with your organisation’s response to a report of serious wrongdoing.