Auckland Transport (AT) is the first local government organisation in New Zealand to have been awarded the DVFREE Tick – demonstrating a commitment to creating a domestic violence-free workplace where staff who experience domestic violence feel safe and supported.

AT’s Chief Executive Shane Ellison says New Zealand’s domestic violence statistics are horrific.

“We want to ensure we are doing whatever we can to support staff who experience domestic violence, make sure our managers are prepared, and that we have trained first responders ready to help.

“Ensuring a safe and supportive workplace environment for staff who experience domestic violence will be the most important way to support their wellbeing and productivity. We want all staff to know that they are tiakitanga – safe with us.”

Shine’s DVFREE Advisor Holly Carrington is thrilled to welcome Auckland Transport as their newest DVFREE Tick partner organisation.

“As a collective force, employers can play a massive role in addressing New Zealand’s epidemic of domestic violence,” says Carrington.

Mr Ellison encourages other local government organisations to sign up to the DVFREE Tick programme.

“Shine is accrediting our internal trainers to deliver DVFREE training to our managers which is the more sustainable approach for implementing a programme like this in an organisation as large as AT.”

“Together we can all help to be part of the solution to New Zealand’s tragic epidemic of domestic violence.”