Independent review of sexual harassment complaints processes
9 September 2026
The University has commissioned an independent review to strengthen confidence in its processes and ensure sexual harassment complaints are handled fairly, consistently and in line with best practice.
The University of Auckland has asked noted Auckland lawyer Fiona McMillan and Professor Annamarie Jagose, Provost of the University of Sydney, to review how it handles sexual harassment concerns raised by students or staff in relation to the conduct of University staff.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith said the work is part of the continuous improvement of the University's policies and practices.
"Fundamentally this independent review is about building trust. We want students, staff and the wider community to trust that our processes are the best they can be, that we apply them fairly and consistently and that we support people who may come forward with concerns."
He said University leaders are entrusted with the care and well-being of almost 50,000 students and more than 6,000 staff, who come from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
"Everyone at the University has the right to learn and work in an environment that is safe and respectful. While we have comprehensive frameworks in place, we have engaged independent external experts to identify opportunities to strengthen our processes and culture.
“We’ve asked our reviewers to thoroughly examine whether our policies and decision-making processes are applied appropriately and consistently, and whether they align with current legal requirements and recognised best practice.
“Their findings will help us to identify any gaps, strengthen our procedures where needed, and ensure we continue to support and meet the expectations of our community.”
This independent review is about building trust. We want students, staff and the wider community to trust that our processes are the best they can be.
Director of Human Resources Andrew Phipps said that while reports of sexual harassment involving staff are rare, the University wants to ensure there are no barriers to speaking up.
“We want students and staff to feel confident raising concerns and to know they will be addressed in a supportive, timely and fair way.”
He said the review is about more than policies and procedures.
“Our goal is a safe, inclusive environment where sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviour are not tolerated."
Director of Human Resources Andrew Phipps said that while reports of sexual harassment involving staff are rare, the University wants to ensure there are no barriers to speaking up.
Review scope
The reviewers have been asked to assess the University’s processes for preventing, managing and investigating sexual harassment complaints, including the effectiveness of reporting, whistleblowing, governance and disciplinary procedures. They will also consider governance including how University leadership and staff are involved in handling sexual misconduct complaints.
The review may draw on prior cases to assess the effectiveness and consistency of the University's processes, and consider the support provided to complainants and respondents. It may recommend improvements, including if staff and student well-being could be better safeguarded.
Personal information shared as part of the review will remain confidential to the reviewers, and the final report will not identify individuals or include information that could identify them.
Public report
Once the review is complete, the report and its recommendations will be provided to the Vice-Chancellor, then shared with the University community and published on its website.
The review will begin this month and is expected to take up to six months.
It follows an independent review covering misconduct by students and the adoption of a new Student Conduct Statute, which will come into force in
early 2027.
About the independent reviewers
Fiona McMillan is a leading New Zealand employment lawyer and partner at Lane Neave in Auckland. She specialises in employment relations, workplace law, health and safety, human rights, privacy and ACC matters, advising both employers and employees across a wide range of industries. She is a certified workplace investigator.
New Zealand-born Professor Annamarie Jagose is the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at the University of Sydney. In her academic leadership roles across the past decade, Annamarie has been involved in numerous complaint or misconduct investigation processes, including bullying, sexual harassment and sexual harm cases.
Annamarie was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2026 for her service to tertiary education. She is an internationally renowned scholar in feminist and queer studies and an award-winning novelist.
Media enquiries
Email: mediateam@auckland.ac.nz