David Lillis: New Zealand’s Universities - Bullying and Other Issues

Bullying at Our Universities

Over the last few years we have exposed bullying in many workplaces across New Zealand, especially in our public service (see Lillis, 2021 - 2024). Unfortunately, we hear reports of continuing bullying at our universities, sometimes linked with re-direction of mission statements and strategic plans and the indigenization of the universities. Those who speak out against such measures are at risk of loss of career advancement or even their employment.   

David Alexander Lillis: Exposing Workplace Bullying in New Zealand - Part 2

Instilling Trust and Confidence in the Public Service

The Public Service Commission has published a web-page, stating that international rankings and research conducted in this country show that trust and confidence in public servants is crucial if they are to operate effectively within our communities (Public Service Commission, 2022). The relevant web-page notes that public service values, such as integrity, fairness and openness, are strong predictors of public trust and that integrity is its single largest driver. In addition, the competence of the public service is critical. It must be responsive and reliable, as well as anticipate new needs.

David Alexander Lillis: Exposing Workplace Bullying in New Zealand - Part 1

Bullying and other harmful behaviours are tremendously damaging to employees, witnesses, and organisations. For employees, recognised effects include anxiety, depression, poor productivity and difficulty changing jobs. If left unaddressed, witnesses are fearful and get the message that these behaviours are acceptable. They learn not to speak up and avoid the risk involved in raising the concern. Organisations suffer from demoralisation, high turnover, reputational risk, lessened productivity and collaboration. Plimmer, Haider and Zhou (2023) 

David Alexander Lillis: Systemic Racism and Bias in New Zealand?

Claims of Structural Racism and Bias

In recent years we have heard repeated claims that the New Zealand Health System is systemically racist and that Māori health outcomes are compromised as a result. For example, Came et al (2021) argue that constitutional transformation and decolonization are potentially powerful ethical sources of disruption to whiteness and structural racism.

Evidence for such claims includes the fact that Māori live on average approximately seven years fewer than other New Zealanders (Ministry of Social Development, 2022). Knight (2022) discusses another assertion - that Māori experience poorer health services than non-Māori and that decolonising the health system will improve Māori health and longevity. Partly in response to such claims, the Māori Health Authority was established in 2021, ostensibly to work with the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand in ensuring that the health system works well for Māori.