24 March 2023
Auditor-General says NZDF can do more to make women safe in the military
The Auditor-General’s report on progress by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) on implementing Operation Respect has found NZDF needs to act with urgency to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all its personnel.
The Auditor-General’s report on progress by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) on implementing Operation Respect has found NZDF needs to act with urgency to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all its personnel.
Although there have been positive changes since Operation Respect was launched, NZDF’s approach since 2020 has not been driven by clearly stated and shared goals or underpinned by a clear and well-considered strategy.
NZDF is aware that its initial response to the 2020 review has not been sufficient. Work is under way to create a new Operation Respect organisational strategy and plan.
Just over half of NZDF’s roughly 12,500 regular force and civilian personnel completed the survey about their experiences in the previous 12 months.
Most NZDF personnel said they did not experience harmful behaviour and felt safe and respected in their workplace.
However, 78 personnel (1.3% of respondents) had experienced unwanted sexual activity in the previous 12 months. Women, particularly junior uniformed women, experienced high rates of inappropriate and harmful behaviour.
For junior uniformed women, 7.2% had experienced unwanted sexual activity in the previous 12 months. Nearly one-quarter (24.6%) had experienced some form of inappropriate sexual behaviour, and 19% experienced bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
Although leaders throughout NZDF had shown good intent and commitment to Operation Respect, senior leaders have not provided enough direction or oversight.
