Work and Income staff member seriously injured in alleged assault at Albany office
The ministry said support was being provided to staff.
A Ministry of Social Development staff member suffered serious injuries in an alleged assault at an Albany service centre.
The incident left colleagues shaken and prompted the office to close for a day while staff debriefed.
Police were called to a “commercial premises” in Albany shortly before 11am on May 29 after reports of an alleged assault requiring medical attention.
A source told the Herald a female staff member was allegedly punched in the head while meeting a member of the public at the Albany branch of Work and Income.
The source said the worker suffered serious head injuries and required medical treatment.
The aftermath left staff deeply affected, according to the source, who said the office was closed the following Monday so workers could debrief.
Police later located a man at a nearby shopping centre, where he was arrested, Acting Inspector Warwick Stainton said.
“The 37-year-old man has been remanded in custody to appear in North Shore District Court on August 28 on a charge of assault with intent to injure,” Stainton said.
MSD regional commissioner for Auckland North and West Lynda Smardon said support was being provided to staff affected by the incident.
“Violence towards our staff is unacceptable and our priority is ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our people,” Smardon said.
Smardon said the agency was carrying out an internal review of the incident and had also provided support to other staff at the service centre.