A response from the Board of the Royal New Zealand Ballet
to Radio New Zealand’s Checkpoint, 12 December 2017

The Royal New Zealand Ballet was yesterday evening the subject of an unbalanced and inflammatory interview on Radio New Zealand’s Checkpoint with John Campbell.

The allegations made in this interview by a former employee, regarding the company’s internal culture and working practices, and the actions allegedly taken or not taken by our Board to address concerns raised, are malicious, false and completely rejected by the Board.

As a responsible employer, the Board of the RNZB takes, and has always taken, employees’ concerns, particularly those alleging any kind of bullying, intimidation or abuse, extremely seriously. We have zero tolerance for behaviour of this kind. Should allegations be made, we have robust processes in place to investigate and resolve any issues.

It is a matter of record that the Royal New Zealand Ballet experienced some workplace issues in the past. Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon programme (and other media) reported on these at great length.   Where allegations were made, the Board initiated a formal process of fact-finding and facilitation, with the help of independent external advisors.

A number of recommendations were made as a result of the fact-finding and facilitation process and have been actioned, with the full support of the Board.

The Board is hugely disappointed that these false allegations have been made. They damage the company and all who work with and for the RNZB.

Lastly the Board is committed to ensuring the RNZB is a supportive and safe workplace for all its artists and administrators and that the company continues to grow and nurture New Zealand ballet for New Zealand audiences.