Bid to rectify Fenz issues ‘falling short’

More work needed to stop bullying: report

An independent review of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) found it has fallen short in improving its workplace culture. The review, led by Belinda Clark QSO, was commissioned following a damning 2019 review by Judge Coral Shaw which found Fenz had a culture of bullying and harassment as well as unacceptable levels of homophobia, sexism and racism.

It found while Fenz had done some work towards implementing the recommendations of the Shaw report, poor behaviour remains. The review found these behaviours needed urgent addressing, but the Behaviour and Conduct office — set up to respond to complaints and bullying accusations — fell short of its goals.

In response to the new report, Internal Affairs Minster Jan Tinetti announced the appointment of two new Fenz board members — Hon Ruth Dyson, QSO as deputy chairwoman, and Clark. They will initially be in place for 12 months.

“I am confident that these changes to the Fenz board will ensure an improved organisation,” Tinetti said.

Deputy Public Service Commissioner Helene Quilter, QSO, said the review shows a lot of work is needed to ensure Fenz is “safe and inclusive”.

Fenz board chairwoman Rebecca Keoghan said the review showed Fenz had “good foundations”, but she acknowledged inadequate action.

“Our intentions were good but we have fallen short in terms of implementation . . . It’s clear that much more needs to be done to effect the change and address the poor attitudes and behaviours.”

The 2019 report made 33 recommendations, all of which were taken on board by the organisation. However, the Clark report has found the implementation processes did not capitalise on these attempts.

Clark’s review made 20 recommendations including establishing a “zero-tolerance” policy for bullying and harassment which included investigating all formal complaints, and the dismissal of people found to have committed bullying or harassment.

She also recommended allegations of criminal offending be referred to the police, and that a separate body be established outside Fenz to handle conduct complaints, with help from the Department of Internal Affairs.

Clark recommended that Fenz executive leadership enact a plan to bring about culture change.