'I applaud all those people who have come forward and reported wrongdoing'
There have been 203 protected disclosures and enquiries reported to the Office of the Ombudsman so far this year, which authorities attributed to whistleblower legislation in New Zealand.
The Office of the Ombudsman said the figures so far this year is already 58% higher than the numbers recorded a year ago.
"I applaud all those people who have come forward and reported wrongdoing or potential wrongdoing in their workplaces," said Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier in a statement.
In 2022/2023, the Office of the Ombudsman said it received 128 protected disclosures and enquiries, an 80% increase from the 71 cases it received the year before.
Boshier attributed the growing reports to the enactment of whistleblower legislation in 2022, which opened the office for protected disclosures.
"There may also be a growing intolerance in society of unacceptable behaviour and practices," the chief ombudsman added.
Sexual harassment prevalent
Meanwhile, Boshier also expressed concerns about the growing number of employees reporting cases of sexual harassment and how 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," he said.
Other common cases reported to the office include financial mismanagement and unsafe work practices, according to the Ombudsman.
"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," Boshier said.
His call came after the office recently found that only 44% of people believe their jobs would be safe if they reported a case of serious wrongdoing to their employer.
It also came after the Employment Relations Authority issued for the first time a "substantive finding" of retaliation against a whistleblower under the Protected Disclosures Act 2000.
