National’s public service spokesman Simeon Brown said the allegations raised serious questions that Allan and Hipkins needed to answer.
However, Hipkins said there had been no formal complaints lodged with his office against Allan, and earlier concerns were dealt with without the need to escalate them. He had not known about the earlier concerns, which pre-dated his time as Prime Minister, but became aware of it recently after inquiries were made.
“I want to acknowledge the Beehive can be a high-pressure environment and on occasions relationships within offices can become strained as a result of that. That’s not new.
“From time to time a minister’s office can come under a lot of pressure if their minister is under pressure. There have been instances, as there are with almost every minister, where Minister Allan has experienced more pressure in recent times. My office has worked hard to address those.”
He did not believe Allan’s mental health leave was related to that and said he supported ministers taking a break when they needed to.
In a statement, Allan said she had “great working relationships with my office crew.”
“Like in many offices and workplaces, there are sometimes challenges with working relationships and the Beehive is no different. I value my crew and I have always been clear that I have high expectations of senior public servants, as I do myself.”
Earlier, Department of Conservation director-general Penny Nelson confirmed in a statement that she became aware of concerns about the “working relationships with the minister in the office, and that it was not running as smoothly as it might”. It had happened more than a year ago.
“One person chose to end their secondment early due to the working relationships in the office. Accordingly, I had discussions with my colleagues, including from Internal Affairs, which manages Ministerial Services, regarding support in the office.
“No further concerns were subsequently brought to my attention, and I understand relationships improved.”
Stuff reported that other concerns were raised by the heads of Emergency Management and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Allan’s post on social media today said she had returned to work after a period of leave because she was “struggling with mental health and wellness” over the past few weeks.
“Triggered by personal circumstances, as well as other external things - even things like the cyclones having such a massive impact on our entire region,” said Allan, who is responsible for justice and regional development, and as East Coast MP is based right in the heart of areas hammered by successive cyclones and weather events this year.
“Sometimes things accumulate, and I hit a wall a few weeks ago.”
Allan said she had taken a week off to get some help to get back on track. She also urged others struggling to reach out for help.
Alongside managing the impacts of the cyclones, Allan has in recent months faced several political scandals.
In April, she had to apologise after criticising RNZ and its treatment of Māori staff at a private event hosted by the broadcaster.
Shortly after, 1News revealed then-Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon had donated to Allan’s political campaign. While it came before Allan was Justice Minister, after she became minister she had responsibility for Human Rights Commissioners, and should have declared the potential perceived conflict with the Cabinet Office.
Allan has also faced challenges in her personal life while an MP. In early 2021 she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and took time off for chemotherapy.
The allegations of staff treatment levelled at Allan are not the first to hit Labour in recent years.
Former minister Meka Whaitiri was stripped of her ministerial responsibilities in 2018 after an altercation with her press secretary. Whaitiri was reinstated as a minister outside of Cabinet after the 2020 election.
Last year, former MP Gaurav Sharma came out with major allegations of bullying, but was unable to provide any evidence.
Shortly after, Tukituki MP Anna Lorck was accused of bullying by former staffers and was given “leadership training”.
Last year, Parliament Speaker Adrian Rurawhe asked independent investigator Debbie Francis to find out if there’s less bullying and harassment in the precinct since her last inquiry.
In 2019, Francis found systemic problems at Parliament, with toxic behaviour and, in some cases, sexual assault.
The former Speaker, Trevor Mallard, tasked her with investigating bullying and sexual harassment in the halls of power following a string of serious incidents involving MPs.
Francis made more than 80 recommendations, including setting up a special advisory board, requiring everyone who works at Parliament to sign a new code of conduct and reviewing progress in three years’ time.
Claire Trevett is the NZ Herald’s political editor, based at Parliament in Wellington. She started at the NZ Herald in 2003 and joined the Press Gallery team in 2007. She is a life member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery.
