Sexual Harassment Support | Employee First NZ

At Employee First NZ, we empower employees in New Zealand with state-of-the-art AI assistance, available anytime, anywhere, to navigate workplace challenges like sexual harassment. Our expert advocacy services provide tailored support to protect your rights and ensure a safe, respectful work environment.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment involves unwelcome or offensive sexual behaviour that negatively impacts your workplace experience. This can include inappropriate remarks, unwanted physical contact, or sharing offensive sexual content, such as messages or images. Even a single serious incident can constitute harassment if it causes harm. Under the Human Rights Act 1993, sexual harassment is unlawful in employment, housing, and education, while the Employment Relations Act 2000 specifically addresses workplace harassment. The Harmful Digital Communications Act also covers online harassment, such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

Examples of sexual harassment include:

• Offensive sexual remarks or jokes in the workplace

• Unwelcome touching, patting, or pinching by a colleague, manager, or client

• Being overlooked for promotions or opportunities after rejecting advances

• Persistent requests for dates or being followed by a co-worker

• Intrusive questions about your personal life

• Exposure to sexually offensive images, such as inappropriate screen savers

The law takes an objective approach, meaning the harasser's intent is irrelevant. Unintentional behaviour can still be considered harassment if it affects your job satisfaction, performance, or workplace comfort.

What Are Your Rights?

Under New Zealand law, you are protected from sexual harassment in the workplace. Section 62 of the Human Rights Act 1993 makes it unlawful for anyone—whether an employer, co-worker, client, or contractor—to engage in harassing behaviour. This includes direct or indirect requests for sexual activity with promises of rewards (e.g., better treatment or promotions) or threats of negative consequences (e.g., job loss or demotion).

Section 69 of the Act further protects employees from repeated harassment by clients or customers. If you report such behaviour to your employer, they are legally obligated to investigate and take practical steps to prevent further incidents. Failure to do so may result in the employer breaching the Act.

The Employment Relations Act 2000 defines sexual harassment as unwanted sexual advances or offensive behaviour that impacts your job performance, satisfaction, or desire to remain in the workplace. You have the right to a safe work environment and can take action if harassed, including addressing the issue directly, reporting it to your employer, or seeking external support.

How Employee First NZ Can Assist You

Employee First NZ is dedicated to supporting you through workplace sexual harassment with confidentiality and care. Our experienced advocates provide expert guidance to protect your rights and help you navigate challenging situations. We offer tailored, confidential support to ensure you feel safe and empowered while addressing harassment.

Our services include:

• Confidential Advice: Receive impartial, private guidance to understand your options, whether you choose to address the harassment directly or report it to your employer.

• Expert Advocacy: Our team helps you navigate workplace policies, draft formal complaints, and pursue resolution options like mediation or early resolution services.

• Connection to External Support: We guide you to appropriate external resources, such as mediation services or legal support, to manage your situation effectively and protect your workplace rights.

• Support for Formal Complaints: We assist in documenting incidents, including timelines and witness details, to strengthen your case when reporting to your employer or relevant authorities.

Employee First NZ is committed to helping you create a safer, more respectful workplace. If you’re facing harassment, our advocates are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your concerns are addressed with sensitivity and professionalism.