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A Queen’s Counsel will be hired to conduct an independent review of Weta Digital following allegations of sexual harassment at the Wellington filming facility.
A statement issued by the company said the move was commissioned by the owners of Weta Digital.
The majority owners are filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson, Dame Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.
A series of allegations of sexual harassment at the company follow, prompting Labor Relations Minister Andrew Little to request an independent investigation.
In a 1 News report, more than 40 current and former Weta Digital employees spoke out, alleging bullying, harassment and a toxic culture at the Wellington special effects company.
READ MORE:
* Veteran actress reveals she received death threats after speaking out, says sexual harassment is ‘endemic’ in New Zealand’s film industry.
* Big screen brightness for those who report harassment, bullying on film
* The Minister of Labor Relations calls for an investigation into the Weta Digital culture
On Thursday, Little said it was a “positive development” that quality control had been introduced.
“All workers deserve to be safe in their workplace,” Little said.
An investigation is already underway at Weta Workshop, a separate but related company more closely linked to Sir Richard Taylor.
This follows similar claims of intimidation, sexual harassment and a toxic culture that arose, started by former Weta Workshop employee Layna Lazar.
KEVIN STENT / Stuff
Layna Lazar spoke to Stuff for the first time about her experience at Weta.
The Weta Workshop investigation was conducted by a human resources company.
Lazar said Thursday that it would have been better if Weta Workshop, like Weta Digital, had examined the allegations by a QC.
She was pessimistic about the end result that would result in real change, or about the person who was supposedly the worst offender in the face of any reprimands.
“I really, really hope that everyone who has shown up comes to their senses,” he said.
“The fact that it took so long, I don’t think so.”
He knew that a “handful” of people had spoken to investigators on his behalf. She had also shared her story.
Stuff understands that the Weta Workshop investigation was taking longer than expected because more people have come forward to share their stories.
Weta Workshop has been contacted for comment.
