Shine, the organisation whose job it is to protect people from domestic violence, is itself under fire.

Newshub has been leaked documents following Shine's recent internal hui which suggests staff are concerned about a culture of bullying, racism and fat-shaming within the workplace. 

Shine stands for Safer Homes in New Zealand Everyday. It helps thousands of Kiwi families a year through domestic violence, and receives $2 million in government funding.

But a document leaked to Newshub contains damning feedback to management from some of Shine's fifty personnel. 

It suggests they "promote racism within staff", that there is a lack of "basic respect" and there are "violent women putting down women".

Other issues listed in the 37 page document include "fat-shaming" staff who are overweight. 

A source has told Newshub one manager has publicly told the office "it's an unhealthy and unprofessional look in the community" to be "big".

Shine's General Manager Jane Drumm refused to comment despite repeated requests when approached by Newshub. 

On September 19, CEO Denise Cosgrove from Shine's umbrella organisation, the Presbyterian Support Network, wrote to staff stating she was "deeply concerned" after hearing the issues raised. 

She thanked them for their openness and honesty at the Hui about the "inadequate practices, processes and supervision and inappropriate behaviours, including some by management."

Cosgrove has confirmed to Newshub the complaints made have been, or are being dealt with and HR professionals have been called in to provide practical guidance.