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There\u2019s a belief\xa0that bullying's embedded in New Zealand culture.\xa0

A report from the Human Rights Commission and KPMG says the estimated cost of harassment and bullying to businesses is around $1.5 billion.\xa0

It says the cost to employers is about $1,600 for every worker affected.\xa0

Anti-Bullying Council Director James Hilford told Mike Hosking that bullying's rife across most industries.\xa0

He says in all the workplaces he's been in, his experience has shown it's part of the entire country's culture.\xa0

Hilford also says we should stop using the word \u2018bullying\u2019, redefining it as abuse instead.\xa0

He says it's not a soft, cuddly problem, but it's a real problem, and it's straight-out abuse.\xa0

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