Video shows employee slacking off at work
Wellington Water has launched an internal investigation after an employee uploaded a video of themself slacking off at work, according to reports.
Radio New Zealand reported early this week a video uploaded by the employee in a "day-in-the-life" format.
In the reported video, the employee shared that she had been "actually doing nothing" as she worked at home for two days.
According to the employee, she only went to the office on the third day back after the new year because her husband expressed concerns that she would be fired.
But onsite, she took an hour-long coffee break and even left early to open her mail at home - adding that she did not feel sorry for doing nothing at work, RNZ reported.
'Genuinely remorseful' about video
This tone, however, appeared to change in a later statement from Wellington Water.
"The employee is one of our younger whānau at Wellington Water and is genuinely remorseful about making the video," the water services provider told RNZ.
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"This video is not reflective of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of Wellington Water staff."
The controversy comes as Wellington Water faces greater scrutiny as it deals with leaking problems that have cost them an estimated 45% of the region's water, RNZ reported.
Last week, it raised the water restrictions in South Wairarapa to Level Two, effectively banning sprinklers and irrigation systems for residential households.
"Wellington Water has recommended that Level 2 Water Restrictions are put in place now to help us reduce water demand and reduce the risk of having more severe, longer water restrictions later on," said Stefan Corbett, South Wairarapa District Council's Group Manager, Partnerships and Operations, in a statement.
Wellington Water chief executive Tonia Haskell has already asked residents to conserve water when they can while the agency addresses the leaks.