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

I am advised by the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) that three cases of sexual harassment have been referred externally since 2022 in relation to allegations of sexual harassment. A breakdown by calendar year has not been provided because the number of cases each year is fewer than five and releasing this information could compromise individuals’ privacy. Data is not readily available for information prior to 2020. This is due to the way the Ministry recorded information at the time. Education New Zealand, the Education Review Office and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority have had no recorded instances of sexual harassment from 2015 to 2025.