Alison Mau launches #metoonz investigation into sexual harassment in New Zealand

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Alison Mau announces the launch of Stuff's #MeTooNZ project.

Broadcaster and journalist Alison Mau is launching a national #metoonz investigation into sexual harassment, supported by Stuff.

Mau says it's an opportunity for Kiwis — mainly women, but men too — to bring their tormentors to account.

'Since the Harvey Weinstein allegations came out in October last year, I've been watching very, very closely and reading as much as I can about what's going on worldwide and I've seen some amazing reports from the United States, the United Kingdom and even Australia.

Alison Mau is a regular columnist for Stuff and the Sunday Star-Times.

'But there's been… radio silence here in New Zealand. I'm not saying there hasn't been some amazing work done by some very senior reporters - I'll name Melanie Reid at Newsroom as one of those - there have been some really important stories told in the past few months but there hasn't been a co-ordinated response.'

**READ MORE:

* MeTooNZ

* #MeToo campaign is a conversation that must be had

* Group formed to fight sexual harassment in New Zealand

* Russell McVeagh responds to fresh accusations

* Students in law programme report inappropriate sexual behaviour**

Recently, accusations of inappropriate sexual behaviour at law firm Russell McVeagh have thrown the spotlight on the legal sector, while a sexual harassment scandal at the Human Rights Commission prompted the Government to order an independent inquiry. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has committed to establishing a national register of workplace sexual misconduct by July.

Mau said the #metoonz project — which references the celebrity #metoo social movement popularised by US actress Alyssa Milano — was for people who wanted to have a voice but didn't know where to go.

'There's been a window opened, if you like, for women who have something to say and are trying to find a person they can trust to say it to. I don't want Kiwi women to miss out on that opportunity.'

Leading a team of journalists, Mau will act as the first point of contact, and can be reached on her Facebook and Twitter accounts, via email at alison.mau@stuff.co.nz or on a private phone number - 027 839 4417. Making contact would be completely confidential, and details and stories wouldn't be shared 'until and if' people are ready, she said.

It will run like any journalistic investigation, but with one crucial difference. Mau has set up a 'triage' system.

'We will be able to help people that come to us to find legal help, if they need it, to lay a police complaint, if they want to, and to access counselling.

'There's a level of care, specifically in place for this project. Even if people don't want to talk on the record… at least we will be able to point them in the right direction to find the help they need.'

Stuff has partnered with Mau on the project.

Editorial Director Mark Stevens said a team of journalists would help investigate the potential stories that emerged.

'Sexual misconduct has been one of the defining international issues of the last year, and it's important New Zealanders have a voice too.

'These are confronting stories for people to share, and challenging stories for journalists to investigate, but Stuff is committed to supporting this worthwhile project.'

Mau was inspired by a similar investigation started by veteran Australian journalist Tracy Spicer last year.

Spicer and a team have broken stories including the allegations against actor Craig McLachlan.

Mau said it was important victims knew there was a way to make perpetrators stop. 'Women have been silenced by a system that has not wanted to hear their voices on this subject for way too long.'

She also hoped to develop a broader discussion about the quality and effectiveness of sexual harassment policies and training in organisations.