A beneficiary is taking a Work and Income case manager and his bosses to court after he swore at her when she asked for help to buy food.
Tara Marks, a 21-year-old domestic purposes beneficiary from Rotorua, complained last week that the manager swore at her as sheheld her infant son in her arms.
She made a formal complaint at the time.
The man admitted swearing at her but said he was provoked after she called him a derogatory name, questioning his sexuality, the Daily Post in Rotorua reported.
Ms Marks denied the manager's claims and said she was still waiting for a personal apology from him.
The newspaper reported the Rotorua People's Advocacy Centre was to make an application in the High Court at Rotorua for a judicial investigation of her claims as she seeks compensation from the ministry.
Ms Marks said she wanted the case manager fired. "He shouldn't be working there.
"He shouldn't be allowed to talk to people like that."
Ministry of Social Development staff met Ms Marks following her complaint.
Advocate Paul Blair said Ms Marks was filing action against the Attorney-General, chief executive of Work and Income and the case manager because her rights had been breached under the New Zealand Bill of Rights.
The case manager is on leave while Work and Income investigates Ms Marks' complaint.
Regional commissioner Geoff Williams said the department had apologised to Ms Marks for any distress caused and ensured she was getting her full entitlement.
Staff at Work and Income have also been reminded to be professional and courteous to visitors at all times.
