Whistleblowing (New Zealand)

Training for staff and management on their rights and responsibilities under New Zealand whistleblower law

Would your organisation’s people feel confident speaking up if they encountered misconduct in your organisation? Whistleblowing is the act of exposing misconduct from within an organisation, including a government organisation. Research shows that businesses that receive and investigate whistleblower reports show a significant and lasting decline in misconduct incidents. For whistleblowing to function as an avenue of corporate accountability, it is important that employees are aware of the rights and protections they are entitled to should they decide to disclose misconduct. This means creating a workplace culture of whistleblowing, and having clear and dedicated systems in place to ensure whistleblowers are protected and aware of their rights. This courses uses real-life examples and scenarios to guide individuals on what to do when a reportable situation arises, what to expect from the reporting process and what protection they can expect. The second module covers how to institute a whistleblowing culture from the top down.  

What constitutes a Whistleblower complaint?

Whistleblowers have robust protections under New Zealand law, and most large corporations are required to have whistleblower policies. Usually, the whistleblower is an insider in that organisation. This training will teach staff what does and what does not constitute a whistleblower complaint, who can be a whistleblower, and how whistleblower complaints must be handled.

Who should do this training?

This training course is designed to familiarise employees with the legal protections they have in respect of whistleblowing corporate misconduct. The second module is focused on assisting management in complying with obligations in complying with their obligations and in creating and maintain a culture where whistleblowing is supported and protected.