The Workplace Environment Survey in New Zealand has revealed Pacific lawyers face higher levels of bullying and discrimination than the profession overall

Results from the Workplace Environment Survey (WPES) in New Zealand reveal that Pacific lawyers, particularly Pacific women, face higher rates of bullying, harassment, and discrimination than the overall legal profession. The New Zealand Law Society commissioned additional reporting to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Pacific lawyers. While overall statistics for lawyers and legal staff are improving, the position of Pacific lawyers has not significantly changed since the 2018 survey. Pacific lawyers hold less favourable perceptions of their workplace, with 45% believing major changes are needed to workplace culture. Additionally, 29% of Pacific lawyers have experienced employment discrimination in the last five years, notably higher than the overall rate of 11%. Discrimination experiences are often attributed to ethnicity, social background, and appearance, with negative impacts on confidence, anxiety, and resignations.

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