Information and Support Services in action HRISS received a diverse range of enquiries and complaints throughout the year, including: • Complaints about bullying in workplaces. We referred people to Community Law and MBIE’s Employment Mediation Services. • Enquiries about job advertisements or application forms requesting personal information such as age, ethnicity, disability, sex, or family status. We provided information about the Act, our dispute resolution service, and best practice guidelines for employers and employees. • Complaints about rights and treatment of prisoners. We referred people to Corrections’ complaint processes, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Health and Disability Advocacy Service. • Complaints from people under compulsory treatment orders who believed their rights were being breached. We referred these people to Mental Health District Inspectors and provided information about unlawful disability discrimination under the Act. • Complaints about housing (including emergency housing). We helped these people engage with our Housing Inquiry and referred them to appropriate agencies. • Complaints about government agencies such as ACC, WINZ, and Oranga Tamariki. We explained internal and independent complaint processes and referred people to legal advice where appropriate. • Complaints of racism in online blogs, mail drops, and public meetings. We referred people to relevant agencies such as Netsafe or the Classification’s Office and offered facilitated conversations where appropriate. • Enquiries and complaints from people in high need or in highly distressed states. We connected them to social work agencies, counselling services or mental health crisis intervention as appropriate. “… Now I have stronger confidence that I chose New Zealand to be my second hometown because my rights can be protected …Thanks for your help again.” “thank you once again for how you have handled this sensitive matter (on both sides)” Specific case examples Responding to harmful speech among neighbours: A person complained their family was being harassed by neighbours because of their ethnicity, national origin, and migrant status. They told us the neighbours had made hurtful comments about their ethnicity and falsely accused them of things that went wrong in the neighbourhood. We contacted the neighbours outlining the family’s concerns and wish to be left alone. No further complaints were received. Disability care: A parent contacted us concerned his daughter's complex health needs would not be met when she transitioned out of Oranga Tamariki’s care at the age of 18. We advised whānau to liaise with Oranga Tamariki’s Chief Advisor Disability to broker a joint conversation between Oranga Tamariki, Whaikaha and the whānau, to communicate and plan for the daughter’s transition from care. Employment rights and language assistance: A RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) worker and their partner approached the Commission for advice about employment rights. We provided information in their first language about the Commission and Employment NZ’s services to ensure the couple were better informed and more confident about their rights. “Thank you for your actions. Even though your organisation is a neutral party, I can tell you it has been a relief just being listened to.” 31