13 July 2023
Sarah M
By email: [FYI request #23183 email]
Tēnā koe Sarah
Official information request for further information regarding complaints
made by professional staff
I refer to your request for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act)
dated 19 June 2023:
“Of the 6 complaints received from professional staff in student
services and support areas between 2019 and 2022.
1) How many were upheld (and how many were dismissed)?
2) How many of the 6 staff members subsequently left VUW without
working out their full notice period?
3) How much (in total) was spent on legal fees/lawyers in relation to
these complaints.”
As per my letter dated 27 February 2023, information regarding whether complaints were
upheld or dismissed is withheld in accordance with s9(2)(a) of the Act in order to protect
the privacy of natural persons.
No staff members left without working out their notice period.
Only one complaint involved the assistance of external counsel. Records held by the
University do not specifically record the costs for external legal assistance in relation to
this complaint. Therefore this aspect of your request is refused in accordance with s18(e)
of the Act as the information does not exist. However, it is estimated that approximately
$1500 (excl GST) in external legal costs were incurred by the University in relation to this
complaint.
Please note, the above figures do not refer to legal work undertaken by the University’s
Employment Relations Team.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of the
decisions made regarding this request. Information about how to make a complaint is
available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact me at
[VUW request email].
Ngā mihi nui
Blair Doherty
Senior Advisor, Official Information and Privacy
Legal Services
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
