How many cases of sexual harassment were referred to external investigators, mediators, the Police, or other external authorities 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, if any?

Answer

The Ministry of Defence had none. The New Zealand Defence Force does not hold centrally recorded data for the years prior to 2018. Since 2018, the New Zealand Defence Force has recorded two cases (one in 2020 and one in 2023) of sexual harassment that has been referred to external investigators. In 2020 one case was referred to mediation, and in 2023, one case was referred to an external authority (Employment Relations Authority). Some cases may have been referred to the New Zealand Police but this information is not centrally recorded.