Public confidence in WorkSafe New Zealand is on the rise, with the organisation achieving its highest ever ranking in the Verian Public Sector Reputation Index.
WorkSafe rose from 30th in 2025 to 14th this year, out of 58 government agencies. Gains were recorded across every measure - with perceptions of strong leadership up 17 points and fairness up the same margin.
The organisation's social responsibility score of 70 placed it in the top quartile of all agencies surveyed. Among those with direct experience of WorkSafe, 50% rated it positively - well above the 15% who rated it negatively. Positive public sentiment toward WorkSafe rose from 36% to 41%.
WorkSafe's chief executive, Sharon Thompson, says the results are proof the organisation's strategic direction is paying off.
"A jump of 16 places doesn't happen by accident. It reflects the work our people do every day to engage effectively with businesses and workers, and a commitment to being the kind of regulator New Zealand needs.
WorkSafe's role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their responsibilities to ensure work is healthy and safe.
"We're always looking for ways to do better, and last year's results sharpened our focus. It's encouraging to see that reflected in how people see us now - but we know reputation is hard won, and we don't take it for granted."
"Our reputation only means something if it helps us keep people safe at work. When New Zealanders trust WorkSafe, they engage with us, they listen - and that makes a real difference to whether people go home safe."
The Verian Public Sector Reputation Index is an annual independent survey of 3,500 New Zealanders measuring public perceptions of government agencies.
