What categories of workplace bullying allegations have been recorded in each calendar year since 2015 in relation to any staff, employees, secondees, contractors, or office holders for whom the Minister has responsibility in connection with the portfolio, broken down by type of behaviour, if any?

Answer

The Ministry of Defence had none. The New Zealand Defence Force has not recorded unsubstantiated allegations, as they did not meet the definition of bullying. The categorisation of bullying assessed by the New Zealand Defence Force is “unreasonable and/or repetitive behaviour directed towards an individual or group of people which creates a hostile environment or negative impact on them. This may include making them feel excluded, fearful or ashamed.” As per the New Zealand Defence Force Code of Conduct, bullying can be categorised as serious misconduct or misconduct if the behaviour is seen as capable of causing unreasonable distress to another person.