Police say they interviewed a civil servant accused of “unacceptable behaviour” at a Ministry of Social Development Christmas party but decided no criminal charges were warranted.
The case emerged after Stuff reported that a Disability Support Services (DSS) employee had resigned following complaints from two women about his conduct at the December 11 staff function. The behaviour was understood to be sexual in nature and directed at the women.
Anne Shaw, MSD’s deputy chief executive for Disability Support Services, described the incident as “unacceptable behaviour”. Police were alerted to the matter on December 18.
According to a report by Tony Wall of Stuff, Inspector Dean Silvester, Wellington city area commander, said officers made inquiries into the complaint. “Police made initial enquiries ... and a man was spoken to in relation to the incident,” he said. “With the information provided to police at the time, no criminal offending was identified. “The person who made the report has been advised of this and police have offered them support.”
MSD declined to provide further details, citing privacy concerns. “For the privacy of the complainants, we would prefer not to go into any further detail,” Shaw said, Stuff has quoted.
She confirmed the man resigned while an employment investigation was ongoing. “We cannot pre-determine the employment outcome as it was still underway at the time of resignation, however the allegations met the threshold for serious misconduct,” she said, Stuff has quoted.
A DSS staff member also raised concerns about alcohol consumption at the event, telling Stuff the amount provided and consumed created a “manner that posed a serious risk to staff health and safety”.
The employee said they had written to the Public Service Commission under the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act about the incident and other concerns. However, the commission said it had not received a disclosure and referred the matter back to MSD, as reported by Stuff.
Shaw rejected claims of a workplace culture of excessive drinking, saying strict rules governed alcohol at MSD functions.
“The consumption of alcohol on MSD premises at any time required the prior approval of a manager,” she said. “For social gatherings at our National Office site, guidance is that alcohol cannot be consumed before 4 pm, and people need to leave by 7.30 pm, Stuff has reported.
“Hosts need to have food available as part of being a responsible host. These policies were complied with,” as quoted by Stuff.
She said the two women who made the complaints had been kept informed and supported throughout the process.