Why would my direct report need my phone number on the weekend?

This case study documents the sequence of events I experienced in a toxic workplace. It is shared in parts to reflect the complexity of how public service systems in New Zealand can reward bullying and penalise those who speak up.

I have been writing about the hidden cost of Goonda conduct in workplaces.
This article takes that further. In one team, when a capable person is bullied out while an incompetent Goonda retains the role, the cost sits at around $4M–$6M per agency each year. Across 50 public service agencies, that reaches $200M–$300M annually.

WorkSafe is funded to prevent harm. A worker raises concerns about ongoing harm in the workplace. The regulator reviews documentation and closes the complaint. The harm continues. This is not an isolated story. It reflects a broader pattern in how workplace harm is assessed. This article traces that pattern, and asks a simple question: what are taxpayers actually paying for?