The breach occurred when furniture from the old Town Hall was sold via the Tip Shop at the Southern Landfill between approximately 18-24 September 2025. This may have affected several individuals, currently unidentified.
Due to limitations in contact information, we are unable to notify all affected individuals directly. We are therefore issuing this public notice in accordance with Section 115(2) of the Privacy Act 2020.
Details of the breach
- The breach involved the disclosure of physical documents containing sensitive information about code of conduct complaints and other behavioural matters, employment arrangements, and private email correspondence.
- The breach was discovered when a member of the public purchased a desk which contained the documents.
- These documents were then provided to the NZ Herald for publication.
Response measures
- Wellington City Council has requested containment of the documents and nondisclosure of identifying information about the individuals who are the subjects of the documents.
- Notification to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
- Affected individuals who believe their information may be the subject to this disclosure, to make contact with Wellington City Council.
What you can do
We encourage you to contact us to confirm whether your information was involved. Email us to privacy@wcc.govt.nz.
We sincerely apologise for this incident and are committed to preventing further harm.