It is understood many of those incidents were from Wakari Hospital. The ODT has asked for a more detailed breakdown specific to Wakari Hospital. Public Service Association chairwoman Fleur Fitzsimons said it was time for Wakari Hospital to start treating its staff fairly. "Every health worker at Wakari Hospital should be safe at work and not exposed to assaults, violence and the chronic stress of working in unsafe conditions." "We remain committed to maintaining and strengthening our specialist mental health and addiction workforce at Wakari Hospital."

Source: Otago Daily Times February 13, 2026 18:12 UTC