Staff at Whakatāne District Council are joining the thousands around New Zealand who are taking a stand against bullying and intimidating behaviour this Pink Shirt Day.
Council staff are used to copping flack from the public, “But why should we?” That’s the question staff are putting to the public to remind them that ‘we are you’.
The people fixing your pipes, planting your dahlias, creating your spaces, emptying your bins, making sure your water is safe to drink – and getting abused for it, are your loved ones. They’re your aunties, grandads, neighbours, friends, moko, club volunteers, sports coaches, school board representatives and more.
Would you speak to them the way you speak to us?
Whakatāne District Aquatic and Fitness Centre Manager Andy Smith says there’s been an increase in abusive and threatening behaviour towards staff and there is zero tolerance for it.
“We have a set of values we work to as staff, including putting people at the heart of everything we do. We come to work each day to do our best for our communities, and no one deserves to be abused for that.”
Andy notes the recruitment challenges public facilities across the country are facing, which are in part due to the treatment of staff and the stress and anxiety caused by this. “We know that many people are facing things in their lives that are tough, particularly because of cost of living increases, however we’re here to provide services that people can enjoy – not to be their ‘punching bags’.”
A health, safety and wellbeing report going to Council’s Finance and Performance Committee notes that in the past three months there have been 12 incidents reported where there has been customer conflict or a threat to safety. Of these, five were at the Aquatic Centre and five were at Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library.
Social media can also be a place where people feel it’s ok to abuse staff or promote racism. The ‘bloody council’ mentality does get taken to heart for many who work hard to deliver around 40 services and facilities for our communities on any given day.
General Manager People and Engagement Emlyn Hatch says this behaviour really needs to change. “We’re grateful for the many who are kind and supportive, and for those who step in to say, ‘that’s not ok’ when they see it.”
“We know we don’t always get things right, and we know there are always opportunities for improving and being better. However, we don’t deserve hatred and abuse.
“What we do deserve is constructive feedback and the opportunity to make things right.”
Council reminds people to tap into Councillors and Community Board members to provide constructive feedback. The ‘Fix it’ request form on Council’s website also ensures jobs are logged and followed-up, and not just discussed on community social media pages.
“Even better, get involved with us,” says Emlyn. “We so often get abused for things that we’re not responsible for.” He adds, “We’d love to see locals take an interest in what we do, and what we don’t do. Easy ways to do this are by following our Facebook page, checking out our website or attending Council meetings.”