Allan rejects bad workplace claims

Kiri Allan

East Coast MP back at Parliament after mental health break last week, confirms relationship break-up

East Coast MP Kiri Allan, under fire following allegations of bad working relationships in her office, has defended herself vigorously against what she describes as a National Party “fishing exercise”.

She also took a week of mental health leave last week, and confirmed yesterday that her relationship with her fiancé had ended.

The Minister of Justice has been in the national spotlight since it emerged that a Department of Conservation (DOC) staffer seconded to Ms Allan’s office had left over a year ago amid concerns about “working relationships”.

Ms Allan said she had never had any formal complaints about her office, and her time off last week — to help get back on track after she “hit a wall a few weeks ago” due to personal circumstances and work pressures — was not linked to the matter.

National MP Simeon Brown questioned Ms Allan over workplace issues at a select committee meeting yesterday.

Labour committee members said the matter was not relevant to the business of the day — funding under Ms Allan’s Regional Development portfolio — but Ms Allan was happy to speak on the issue.

Mr Brown wanted to know about a text message sent to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) chief executive Carolyn Tremain.

She replied that the message was subject to an Ombudsman’s review, but later told national media that the text was not about Ms Allan’s behaviour.

Ms Allan, speaking at the select committee meeting, said there were no issues that prevented the committee from undertaking the job New Zealanders expected of them.

“I understand there has been a fishing exercise undertaken by some members. I understand that story has been shopped about for some time, but the reality is most of us come to work every single day with a focus on getting things done for New Zealanders.

“This isn’t a blood sport for most of us; this has real-life implications and consequences in real-life places like the regions I represent, Te Tai Rāwhiti, which have been absolutely decimated recently.”

She said the funding provided by Kānoa (Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit) had transformed regions like hers — and others like Nelson.

“So Mr Brown, when you are ready, you’ve heard from my CEO and you’re welcome to hear from the head of Kānoa as well. You have OIA’d everything under the sun and you’re still yet to turn anything up.

“So have the opportunity to ask if there’s anything that prohibits me as a minister from doing my job . . . if so, let’s litigate that. In the absence of that I encourage us all to focus on what New Zealanders care about.”

Ms Tremain told media she was not aware of any concerns raised by MBIE staff seconded to Allan’s office, and head of Kānoa Robert Pigou said he had no concerns about Allan’s managerial style.

On Wednesday Department of Conservation Director-General Penny Nelson said she was aware of “concerns” about working relationships in the office more than a year ago, and one staff member had left early.

She understood working relationships had since improved in Ms Allan’s office.

Concerns were raised by other departments including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Stuff reported.

Ms Allan said she did not believe she was a tough boss and had never shouted at anybody.

Staff turnover in her office was “comparable” to other offices.

“I am definitely not a Wellington politician. That is something I am not.

“I am from the regions. We do things a little bit differently. But I think I am fair, I think I have clear expectations and when those aren’t met, I am clear about those as well.”

Ms Allan confirmed her relationship with former RNZ Midday Report presenter Māni Dunlop had ended, but did not wish to comment further.

At Ms Dunlop’s RNZ farewell function earlier this year, Ms Allan criticised the state broadcaster for its treatment of Māori staff and inability to retain its top talent.

She later apologised for the comments which were widely seen as being inappropriate for a Cabinet minister.

The press gallery believe the break-up of the relationship is the reason for Ms Allan’s decision to take mental health leave last week.

On Facebook Ms Allan said that being a politician meant “our lives are public”.

“When things go well, we celebrate them; when they don’t, it’s easy to hide away.

“Mental health is something we typically shout about from the roof tops during mental health awareness week.

“But a part of being a public figure is also to be honest with the public about the tough times too — because if sharing my story can help one other, then I’m glad to have shared.

“Over the past few weeks I’ve really been struggling with mental health and wellness.

“Triggered by personal circumstances, as well as other external things — even things like the cyclones having such a massive impact on our entire region.

“Sometimes things accumulate, and I hit a wall a few weeks ago.

“I kept going, showing up to events, smiling, giving speeches.

“But about a week ago, I had to be pretty honest with myself that I needed to put my mental wellbeing at the forefront of my focus.

“I reached out to colleagues, friends and families to let them know where I was at.

“That was bloody hard. It felt a little embarrassing admitting I wasn’t doing okay.

“But what followed was an overwhelming response of aroha — and I am so glad I shared with people I love to help pull me out of my head.

“So if you’ve been wondering why I haven’t been at work this week, it’s because I had to take some time to get some help and get back on track.

“I’m feeling a lot better now — and if there’s anything I could share with anyone struggling at the moment — it’s to reach out, to friends, family and anyone that can help you to get the help you need.

“I want to particularly thank my colleagues for their support, and my mates who dropped tools to just show up. It meant a lot.

“So, I’ll be back at work with a little skip in my beat — but honestly, it’s taken a little while to get there.

“If you’re in need of help, please reach out.”