Uni Association investigated allegations staffer sent penis pics to sexual violence workers

Wednesday, 23 May 2018

The New Zealand University Students' Association (NZUSA) investigated allegations a staffer sent multiple penis photos to fellow workers on an ACC-backed campus sexual violence prevention programme.

The allegations surfaced on blogger David Farrar's Kiwiblog website on Wednesday morning claiming the accused male staffer 'departed' as the accusations were made late last year.

Last year, ACC put $1.4 million towards preventing sexual violence on campuses in partnership with the national union.

It involved training programmes and a review of policies around sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention in tertiary institutions.

The agreement came after the relaunch of the Thursdays in Black campaign, where people wear black to show solidarity with survivors of sexual violence.

Spokesman James Funnell said ACC became aware of allegations of sexual harassment and poor employment practices by NZUSA in December last year.

'These issues were referred to the NZUSA president to investigate and provide feedback. In late January, ACC and NZUSA agreed to suspend the contract.

Funnell said NZUSA had undertaken a 'robust internal investigation' which was now over.

'We are satisfied that the matter has been appropriately handled. We are now working with them on the next steps to ensure the continuation of the Thursdays in Black campaign and important sexual violence prevention work on tertiary campuses.'

In a statement, NZUSA president Jonathan Gee said the organisation had faced increasingly difficult financial situation in recent years, resulting from the introduction of voluntary membership of student associations in 2011.

'In the year immediately after the change our income dropped by more than half, from approximately $460,000 in 2011 to $189,000 in 2012 … this forced us to look beyond our membership revenue to ensure the organisation continued.'

This included a contract with ACC, which Gee confirmed was recently suspended by mutual agreement

'We are working with ACC to determine next steps.'

Gee did not address the inappropriate photos directly, but said issues arising from any employment matter were dealt with in accordance with its legal obligations.

'Ensuring a positive and safe working environment for staff is a top priority. We are currently reviewing our policies and practices to ensure they are consistent with this commitment.'

Gee also confirmed that as a result of serious financial pressure, it had asked the main member organisation to pay next year's membership levies in advance.

'We knew it was a lot to ask, but the fact that every member association discussed it and stepped up shows the confidence they have in us.'