Health, wellbeing and safety

We offer healthcare benefits, social opportunities, and a wellbeing programme as well as a range of health and safety support.

We know that healthy, supported people deliver better outcomes for our communities. That’s why we take a proactive, practical approach to health, wellbeing and safety -helping our kaimahi (employees) stay well and connected, so they can do their best work for the city we love.

Wellbeing benefits

We offer our kaimahi (employees) the following benefits.

Medical insurance – permanent kaimahi get discounted healthcare insurance premiums through Southern Cross.
Eye care subsidy – permanent/fixed term kaimahi (12 months or longer) are eligible for an annual subsidy towards the cost of optometrist appointments, eyewear, contact lenses etc.
Flu immunisation – are provided annually.
Health checks – such as hearing or skin checks, are available for certain roles.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free, confidential counselling for all kaimahi to support both personal and work-related challenges.
Menopause Support – access to comprehensive support across all stages of the menopause journey.
Manager Assistance Hotline – designed to help build leadership capability and support healthy team dynamics.
Restorative Māori healing (Rongoā) – provided through ACC accredited providers.
Social opportunities – join Council networks and sporting events.
Bicycle parking – we offer secure bicycle storage at head office. There are also shower facilities and an air pump available.
Library membership – all kaimahi receive free membership to Wellington City Libraries, no matter where you live. We also have an onsite corporate library for you to use.
Discounted membership to Club Active.

Non-work activity fund

We believe that a great workplace supports connection beyond the desk. Our Non-Work Activity Fund helps kaimahi participate in activities outside of work that build friendships, strengthen connections, and support personal wellbeing.

Healthy and safe workplace

We take our responsibilities seriously. Our goal is that everyone can go home in the same or better condition than they arrived - and that safety is a shared value, not just a checklist. Read out Statement of Commitment endorsed by Matt Prosser, CEO:

Statement of Commitment

Wellington City Council (the Council) is committed to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people. We are committed to effectively managing risks as far as reasonably practicable and maintaining a safe working environment for our staff, customers, contractors, and visitors.

We acknowledge our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and other applicable regulations, and we are committed to meeting or exceeding these obligations. The Council is accountable for safe workplace activities and prevention of work-related injury and ill health, to achieve positive health, safety, and wellbeing outcomes for our people.

Our Health and Safety Strategy, A Safer Tomorrow, reflects the organisation’s commitment and purpose to continually improve health and safety culture and performance; with clear objectives and implementation measures to be proactive in managing safety at work.

This commitment is executed through our safety management system, which describes the health and safety processes and systems for all who work for the Council, including our volunteers and contractors.

That means providing sufficient resources to ensure

health and safety risks are proactively managed
legislation, codes of practice, and best practice standards are followed
effective health and safety management systems are maintained and improved.

To do that, we will

maintain and review the Council’s safety management system, ensuring efficacy and continuous improvement
integrate health and safety into day to day operational and management practices
develop, lead, and promote a safe work culture
encourage all workers to report health and safety incidents, hazards, risks and opportunities without fear of reprisal
ensure health and safety is effectively co-ordinated throughout the Council
discuss health and safety issues at all levels of the Council
share information, learnings and decisions with all affected parties
support our managers to demonstrate health and safety leadership
require management to be responsible for and support health and safety programmes, initiatives and practices
involve workers and encourage active participation in health and safety matters
support the establishment and ongoing functioning of health and safety committees
ensure our workers are trained for the activity they undertake; the equipment they operate; the substances they work with and perform their duties in accordance with established operating procedures and safety standards
provide the tools to ensure all incidents, near misses, hazards, risks and opportunities at work are reported and responded to in a timely way; recorded using the online reporting system
investigate serious incidents to establish cause, identify new risks and prevent recurrence
support the safe return to work through quality injury management and rehabilitation
ensure any injuries or illnesses at work are responded to as soon as possible, with the appropriate rehabilitation plans where necessary.

We’re proud to support a culture where people look out for one another. This includes:

a comprehensive employee assistance programme
participation in the ACC Accredited Employers Programme at the highest tier
unobstructed access to well-maintained gear, tools, PPE and equipment
an early intervention programme to reduce the risk of injury
a growing community of Health and Safety Representatives
a wide range of health and safety training
active staff networks representing diverse groups and interests.

Active health and safety is not just lip service – there are dedicated staff and departments for this.

Employee survey, November 2022

Wellbeing progamme

All kaimahi have access to our online Wellbeing Hub – Ipukura, which includes webinars, guides, articles, and information about our wellbeing workshops.

Our approach is holistic, drawing on models like Te Wheke, Whare Tapa Whā and Five Ways to Wellbeing.

This approach recognises wellness is made up of multiple dimensions that are intertwined and of equal importance.

Ko te tiaki i te whānau | Caring for our family wellbeing
Ko te tiaki i te hinengaro | Caring for our mental wellbeing
Ko te tiaki i te tinana | Looking after our physical wellbeing
Ko te whāngai i te wairua | Nourishing our spiritual wellbeing

There are health, safety and wellness training opportunities, resources, webinars, and the Employee Assistance Programme. There’s never a question about putting the safety and wellness of you and your colleagues first.

Employee survey, November 2022

Health, wellbeing and safety

Wellbeing benefits

Non-work activity fund

Healthy and safe workplace

That means providing sufficient resources to ensure

To do that, we will

Active health and safety is not just lip service – there are dedicated staff and departments for this.

Wellbeing progamme

There are health, safety and wellness training opportunities, resources, webinars, and the Employee Assistance Programme. There’s never a question about putting the safety and wellness of you and your colleagues first.

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