Can I share bullying emails without breaching the privacy of the bully?

Generally, yes. People can experience bullying behaviour in a number of contexts - at school, in a workplace, online or in a social setting and they can justifiably use evidence of the bullying to inform the right authorities.

In cases of bullying, the Privacy Act does not generally place controls on how an individual may disclose or share personal of information if they are acting in their personal capacity (in other words, in their personal, family or household affairs).

For example, if the bullying is in a school setting, it would be okay to disclose the emails to a parent, teacher, guidance counsellor, the school principal or a member of the school’s board. The Ministry of Education has produced useful guidance on preventing and dealing with bullying in schools(external link).

Netsafe is the agency that deals with cyber bullying and harmful communications. It has a website with guidance on both dealing with and preventing cyberbullying(external link).

In a workplace, your employer has a duty to investigate any allegations of bullying. However, the overlap between personal and professional means the privacy of the bully may be a consideration in how they deal with the issue. Talk with your manager, their boss, or a member of the senior management team or human resources adviser.

WorkSafe New Zealand also has useful advice on dealing with bullying in the workplace(external link).

Updated November 2025