RNZ Senior Staff Member Withdrawn Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

A senior Radio New Zealand official was removed after allegations of sexual harassment, one of three recent investigations involving different men working for the station.

The man is on leave from the state broadcaster after an external investigation in June found that his behavior made some younger women uncomfortable and that some inappropriate comments could be considered harassment.

It is understood that more than 15 people were interviewed as part of the investigation.

One of the women, who asked not to be identified, said in her opinion that he was a “creepy” man who preyed on young, vulnerable women.

She said she was “on the receiving end of some of her sexist comments” and believed she did it on purpose to make some women uncomfortable.

The woman, who is in her 20s, said his behavior was “not a well-kept secret” and since he was older and some of the women were in their 20s, she believed it was “a really disgusting power dynamic difference.”

“There is no way this is right,” the woman said.

The woman claimed that the man called some of the female staff who ran his “harem.”

She alleged that the women verbally challenged him on multiple occasions not to speak to them in a sexual way and, according to her, a senior manager reprimanded him about his unacceptable behavior.

She claimed that he would comment on how the women dressed and, in her opinion, he “ogle their bodies, which made them feel uncomfortable.”

“The reason I’m talking about is that that shouldn’t happen in any workplace, especially in a great place like Radio New Zealand. It’s unfathomable that this is 2020 and we’re still having conversations like this,” the woman said.

During the investigation earlier this year, according to the Herald, 17 staff members, including managers, witnesses and whistleblowers, were interviewed. The man was fired until the investigation was completed in mid-June, when two of the three complaints were confirmed.

The woman was relieved with the outcome of the investigation, but outraged to learn that she was returning to work.

“I thought ‘what the heck’, he can’t go back to work. It’s amazing they did that.

“I couldn’t believe I was going back to work. There are no words, especially when women have been brave enough to show up. It’s wrong to say ‘Hey, you can go back to the same job with the same women every week.’ then’.”

The woman claimed she called Paul Thompson, Radio New Zealand CEO and editor-in-chief, who later reversed the decision to allow the man back.

Thompson declined to answer a series of questions on the subject. In a statement, he said, “RNZ has zero tolerance for any behavior that violates our Dignity at Work policy and Code of Conduct. Our duty to care for our staff is of the utmost importance.

“As in any organization, matters relating to specific individuals and their employment should remain confidential unless the employee in question agrees otherwise, however, all allegations of misconduct in the workplace are thoroughly investigated with Welfare of prioritized personnel, and any action taken is carried out within the framework of labor legislation and our obligations to our people. “

Neither the man nor his attorney wanted to comment.

The Herald understands that it is the third case in less than two years on Radio New Zealand that involves sexual harassment. It is understood that a man left last year for inappropriate behavior with a reporter. Another investigation followed, involving a man who left after allegations of sexual harassment.

The woman wants Radio New Zealand to understand that sexual harassment in the workplace must end.

“Radio New Zealand is a wonderful organization and a great place to work. But the way it has handled this situation is unacceptable; it will never happen again. Women should feel comfortable when they raise issues and know that they are being dealt with appropriately. Women, and particularly young women, have been let down by the system and that must change. “