The Minister for State Owned Enterprises, Mark Burton, will not be offering up any "sacrificial lambs" in resolving the dispute between members of the board of New Zealand Post.
Mr Burton said today that the board had addressed its internal differences and provided assurances that it was focused on thejob of running a successful government-owned business.
"The easy political solution to recent events, to shut down the baying opposition, would have been to offer up sacrificial lambs," he said.
"However, my role as Minister is not to take the easy political route, but rather to act in the best interests of the shareholders of New Zealand Post the people of New Zealand."
Directors yesterday issued assurances they could work together, despite the bad blood over chairman Ross Armstrong's allegations that deputy chairman Syd Bradley leaked sensitive company information.
Mr Burton said today that the board acknowledged Dr Armstrong had acted with integrity and on management advice, and that Mr Bradley had been exonerated by evidence received after the allegations were made.
There was no mention of what had been referred to as "a managed exit" for Dr Armstrong before the expiry of his term as chairman next June.
Shareholding ministers accepted a resolution from the board indicating its commitment and unity, Mr Burton said.
"Accordingly, the board membership remains unchanged. The chair and deputy chair retain the confidence of the board, and will remain in their positions."
He said sacking directors would have been an "extreme action", but he had left board members in no doubt that he was prepared to do that, if necessary, to resolve the dispute.
The minister will meet with board members again next week to receive each director's personal affirmation of the board's position, and their commitment to working together, managing core board processes, maintaining a working relationship with shareholding ministers and maintaining the board's confidentiality.
He said it had been a testing time for the board and the whole NZ Post organisation.
"However, I am satisfied there is genuine commitment from every member of the board to act in the best interests of the company. I am therefore prepared to give them the opportunity to get on with the job."
