The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has a new policy to deal with anyone employed by a regulated entity who wants to tip it off about malpractice.

People currently or formerly employed by insurers, banks or non-bank deposit takers regulated by the Reserve Bank who have witnessed or become aware of misconduct at their organisations can now report their information directly to it on a dedicated email address - given as whistleblowing@rbnz.govt.nz - and phone number - given as (04) 471 3657.

Examples of misconduct include:

• criminal offences;
• a breach of a legal obligation;
• a miscarriage of justice;
• the deliberate covering-up of any wrongdoing;
• dishonest or unethical behaviour by an individual; and
• concerns that pose a danger to the public or financial system.

Potential whistleblowers are encouraged to refer to their organisation’s internal whistleblowing policy before making a report to the Reserve Bank. If this option is not available, potential whistleblowers should contact the Reserve Bank directly.