Behavioural training call for councillors

Dr Asquith said health and safety rules relating to councillors might well need to be clarified.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is looking into whether health and safety legislation applies to elected members.

LGNZ was also developing further guidance for councils regarding workplace safety and behaviour at governance level, a spokesman said.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment policy manager Tracy Mears said every workplace, including in local government, should have policies and practices to prevent bullying and harassment, and to deal with it when it happened.

The ministry released an issues paper on the subject in August and is seeking feedback.

A Dunedin City Council spokesman said it had developed policies, processes and systems designed to keep staff and elected members safe.