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Stuff
Two Auckland City Council employees have died suddenly in the space of a week. (File photo)
The Auckland Council is launching an internal review of its mental health policies and procedures following the suspected suicide of an employee.
Jenny Gargiulo, a leading environmental specialist, died on December 1 amid reports of intimidation and harassment.
The coroner is investigating his death, which, according to a spokesman, is suspected of being self-inflicted.
SUPPLIED
An email sent to board staff by CEO Jim Stabback following the alleged suicide of employee Jenny Gargiulo.
Another city hall employee died suddenly a few days later.
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Council Executive Director Jim Stabback held two Q&A sessions for staff via Skype the following week.
THE DETAIL / RNZ
Political parties are focusing heavily on the issue of mental health, but experts say a wave of anxiety and mental anguish is on the way.
He acknowledged that there had been two “unexpected” deaths and asked staff to take care of colleagues, especially those who were struggling.
On Thursday afternoon, Stabback sent an email to all council staff saying that the past few weeks had been “particularly difficult for many of our team.”
He said an internal review would be launched to assess “our policies, processes and procedures around mental well-being, with a focus on some of the things that can increase stress in the workplace.
“That is not to say that the tools and resources we currently have are damaged or not fit for purpose,” the email read.
“But we know there will be areas where we can build and improve and we need to quickly identify what they are and implement them.”
Gargiulo was responsible for implementing the city council’s weed management plan, the most controversial aspect of which was the use of the chemical herbicide glyphosate.
Stuff understands that he was under great pressure, both from elected members and members of the public, on the issue.
In a public Facebook post this week, Councilman Richard Hills recalled Gargiulo as a “bright, cheerful, intelligent, loving and amazing person.”
“I know it endured a lot, both from members of the public and from elected members,” he wrote.
Ryan Anderson / Stuff
Councilman Richard Hills wrote that Jenny Gargiulo was a “smart, loving and wonderful person.”
“Many questions will go unanswered and I am sure that many of us will always wonder what else we could have done and I know that I cannot stop thinking about her from the moment I learned of her passing.”
Hills said he had seen “disappointing” behavior from councilors and local board members toward council employees, and would have “zero tolerance” in the future.
A spokeswoman for WorkSafe New Zealand said last week that the regulator had also been notified of Gargiulo’s death.
“We are doing initial investigations into the incident. I cannot comment further at this time. “
Meanwhile, a new report, presented to the council’s governing body on Thursday, showed that many of its employees are struggling with the post-shutdown work environment.
The report showed that the stress that staff feel in relation to Covid-19 has increased, while their feelings of health and well-being have decreased.
Where to get help
- 1737, do you need to talk? Call toll free or text 1737 to speak with a trained counselor.
- Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
- Depression.org.nz 0800111757 or text 4202
- Kidsline 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7.
- Life line 0800 543 354
- Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812, click here to access your free resource and information service.
- Rural support trust 0800 787 254
- Samaritans 0800 726 666
- Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828865 (0508 SUPPORT)
- Supporting families with mental illness 0800 732 825
- thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626
- What happens 0800 942 8787 (from 5 to 18 years old). Telephone advice available from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 23:00 and weekends from 15:00 to 23:00. Online chat is available from 3 pm to 10 pm every day.
- Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email [email protected], or find online chat and other support options here.
- If it’s an emergency Click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.
- In a life-threatening situation, call 111.
