Reference: 20250503
27 August 2025
George Mason
[FYI request #31628 email]
Dear George
Thank you for your Official Information Act request, received on 17 July 2025. You
requested the following:
How many reports and complaints have been made about staff engaging in
bullying and/or inappropriate behaviour in the last 12 months? This should
include ELT and their respective business units.
How many ex-gratia payments have been made to staff in the last 12 months?
This should include ELT and their respective business units.
How many staff have been spoken to in relation to their behaviour? This should
include ELT and their respective business units.
The time to respond was extended by 15 working days.
Information for release
How many reports and complaints have been made about staff engaging in bullying
and/or inappropriate behaviour in the last 12 months? This should include ELT and
their respective business units.
Over the past year (17 July 2024 – 17 July 2025), there have been 14 reports or
complaints about staff engaging in bullying and/or inappropriate behaviour, and one of
those related to allegations of bullying. This includes ELT and their respective
business units.
We have defined “reports and complaints” as either a specific incident raised by a staff
member through one of our reporting channels; or where a People Leader has raised a
specific concern about inappropriate behaviour of a team member, that required a
response.
Consistent with our Acceptable Behaviours at the Treasury Policy, allegations of
inappropriate behaviour may include issues such as bullying or other incidents such as
someone feeling they have been spoken to rudely by a colleague or where there has
been dishonesty.
How many ex-gratia payments have been made to staff in the last 12 months? This
should include ELT and their respective business units.
1 The Terrace
PO Box 3724
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
tel. +64-4-472-2733
https://treasury.govt.nz
No ex-gratia payments have been made in the last 12 months relating to complaints
about bullying or inappropriate behaviour.
How many staff have been spoken to in relation to their behaviour? This should include
ELT and their respective business units. Of the 14 issues, 10 staff members have been spoken to about their behaviour.
Not all reports or complaints will result in staff being spoken to. Some issues are raised
where the complainant does not want further action and some complaints do not have
sufficient information to enable follow on actions.
Please note that this letter (with your personal details removed) may be published on
the Treasury website.
This reply addresses the information you requested. Under section 28(3) of the Act,
you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions made under this
request.
Yours sincerely
Hamish Ongley
Head of People Operations
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