Support offered to staff after public servant dies in Wellington city, colleagues witness emergency response

• Government agencies are offering support after a public servant died in central Wellington.
• WorkSafe confirmed the death of one of its staff members and said police are leading the investigation on behalf of the coroner.
• The Public Services Association said it was not aware of the incident.

Government agencies are offering support to their staff after a public servant died in central Wellington and colleagues witnessed the emergency response on their way to work.

WorkSafe said in a statement they were “saddened to confirm one of our Wellington-based staff members died on 21 May 2025″.

“This did not occur at a WorkSafe building, although some of our kaimahi [staff] did observe the emergency response on their way to work.

“Police is the lead agency on behalf of the coroner. WorkSafe will assist as required, but is not carrying out a review at this stage.”

The statement said they were providing comprehensive support to staff “as they come to terms with the loss of a valued colleague and friend”.

A police spokesman said they received reports of a sudden death on Willeston St about 5.20am on May 21.

The Herald understands Government agencies that share an office building where the person worked have sent emails out to staff offering support.

WorkSafe shares the building with Statistics NZ and the Ministry for the Environment. These agencies declined to comment.