Speak Up, Grievance & Whistleblower Protection Policy.

Applies to: Employees, contractors, clients, suppliers, partners, and members of the public
Last updated: February 2026

Our commitment

At Tax Traders, we believe a strong, ethical culture depends on people feeling safe to speak up. We welcome concerns raised in good faith, whether from inside or outside our business, and we treat them as an opportunity to listen, learn, and improve. Raising a grievance or whistleblowing concern will never disadvantage you when it is done honestly and respectfully. This policy explains:

  • What concerns can be raised
  • How to raise them
  • How we respond
  • How we protect confidentiality and whistleblowers

This policy sits alongside (and does not limit) any rights under the New Zealand Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022.

 

 

Who can raise a concern

This policy is available to anyone who interacts with Tax Traders, including:

  • Employees (permanent, fixed-term, or casual)
  • Contractors and consultants
  • Clients
  • Suppliers and business partners
  • Community members or members of the public

You do not need to have a formal relationship with Tax Traders to raise a concern.

 

 

What concerns can be raised

You may raise a grievance or whistleblowing concern about actual or suspected:

  • Fraud, corruption, bribery, or financial misconduct
  • Unethical or unlawful behaviour
  • Breaches of our policies or Code of Conduct
  • Unsafe or illegal workplace practices
  • Human rights concerns (including harassment, discrimination, or exploitation)
  • Environmental harm or unsustainable practices
  • Serious misconduct by employees, contractors, or leaders

What this process is not for

This process is not intended for:

  • Personal performance feedback or routine employment matters
  • Commercial disputes unrelated to conduct
  • Issues already being addressed through another formal legal process

Where appropriate, we may redirect concerns to a more suitable process and explain why.

 

 

How to raise a concern

You can raise a concern in any of the following ways:

Option 1: Email

Email us at: team@taxtraders.co.nz.
Please include "Confidential – Grievance / Whistleblowing" in the subject line.

Option 2: Alternative escalation

If your concern involves senior leadership, or you do not feel comfortable using the main channel, you may contact an independent external advisor appointed by Tax Traders for this purpose (details available on request). 


Anonymous reporting

You may raise a concern anonymously. While anonymous reports can limit our ability to investigate fully, they will still be taken seriously.

What to include (if you can)

  • A clear description of the concern
  • Dates, locations, or individuals involved
  • Any supporting information or evidence

 

 

How we handle concerns

All concerns are handled fairly, discreetly, and as promptly as possible.

Our process

  1. Acknowledgement

We aim to acknowledge receipt within 3 business days (unless the report is anonymous).

2. Initial review

Within 10 business days, we assess whether the concern falls within this policy and how it should be handled.

3. Investigation

Where required, we conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. This may involve internal leaders or independent external experts.

 

4. Outcome and response

We aim to complete investigations within 30 calendar days, where possible. Outcomes are communicated where appropriate and lawful to do so.

Timeframes may vary depending on complexity, confidentiality, or legal requirements.

 

 

Fairness and natural justice

We are committed to fair process. This means:

  • Concerns are assessed objectively
  • People involved are treated respectfully
  • Decisions are based on evidence
  • Findings are reviewed at an appropriate level of seniority

Raising a concern does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it does guarantee it will be taken seriously.

 

 

Whistleblower protection and non-retaliation

Tax Traders has zero tolerance for retaliation. No one will be disadvantaged, dismissed, demoted, harassed, or otherwise treated unfairly for raising a concern in good faith. Any retaliation against a whistleblower or complainant will be treated as a serious breach of our Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action. These protections apply whether a concern is ultimately substantiated or not, provided it was raised honestly.

 

 

Confidentiality and privacy

We take confidentiality seriously.

  • Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis
  • We will protect your identity wherever possible

However, there are limits. In some cases, limited disclosure may be required to:

  • Conduct a fair investigation
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Protect the safety of individuals
  • Ensure procedural fairness

If disclosure is required, we will take reasonable steps to inform you.

 

 

False or malicious reports

Concerns must be raised in good faith. Knowingly false, misleading, or malicious reports may result in appropriate action.

 

 

Questions or support

If you have questions about this policy or are unsure whether it applies to your situation, you are welcome to contact us confidentially at team@taxtraders.co.nz.