The board is to now commence a search as soon as possible for a new chief executive.
Murray has been on leave from the $560,000 a year job since July 22 when the investigation was launched.
An Audit New Zealand review of the processes and management of the expenses including authorisation and payment of the money was also conducted.
Meanwhile, two members of the board that decided Murray's fate were ousted from today's debate.
Dave Macpherson and Mary Anne Gill did not participate in the decision-making discussion of today's special board meeting which heard the outcome of the two-month long investigation.
The Herald understands the reason for the ban was a perceived prejudice against Murray by the two members.
Macpherson said Murray's representatives recently raised concerns over his attendance at today's board discussion into the investigation, which took in Murray's expenses dating back to July 2014 when he first took up the top post at Waikato DHB.
"They raised the issue of whether I had a conflict," Macpherson said.
"I didn't think I had one but in order to avoid unnecessary and expensive legal arguments I decided to step away from any involvement in the decision-making process."
Macpherson earlier said he would hear the outcome of the report at the meeting which began at 10am and step out for the debate.
Gill confirmed she was attending the meeting when contacted by the Herald but said she also would not participate in the full debate, which was being held behind closed doors and set down for four hours.
When asked for comment about the two members leaving the debate, a Waikato DHB spokeswoman said: "They both took no part in the debate or decision.
"Mary Anne Gill was working as a DHB staff member during this period, for the chief executive and therefore decided to step aside. It had been raised with Dave Macpherson that there could potentially be a conflict of interest so he decided to step aside.
"It was both their decisions and the board respected this."
The Herald revealed yesterday the meeting would take place, after an Auckland barrister was hired to investigate concerns raised by staff into Murray's spending.
Murray came under fire from government watchdog the State Services Commission in December for not disclosing his yearly expenses for his first two financial years in the role.
When they were disclosed in January the Herald revealed he had spent $108,000 of taxpayer money on international and domestic travel for work.
That included $36,000 of relocation costs from Canada to Hamilton and $11,700 for early arrival accommodation costs after Murray left his job at Fraser Health in British Columbia sooner than expected.
Nigel Murray at a glance
• July 2014: Nigel Murray hired by Waikato DHB chairman Bob Simcock as chief executive despite Simcock being warned by several parties against the appointment.
• August 2014: A Canadian Government review of Fraser Health shows the authority to be one of the worst performing in the country.
• March 2015: Was a no-show at a conference and delegate site visit in the US he was invited to. Said he was conducting other business.
• December 2016: Under fire from the State Services Commission for not disclosing annual expenses for two financial years.
• January 2017: Expenses show he spent $108,000 of taxpayer money travelling internationally and domestically for work.
• June 2017: Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman informed of concerns raised about Murray's expenses. Waikato DHB board members left in dark for five weeks.
• July 2017: Murray goes on annual leave for two weeks while Waikato DHB launches investigation.
• August 2017: Midlands Health Network, representing 400 GPs, writes to Ministry of Health director-general Chai Chuah complaining that Murray is difficult to work with.
• August 2017: Murray extends his leave as investigation not completed within initial three-week timeframe.
• September 2017: Investigation completed and reported to remuneration committee of the board.
• October 2017: Murray resigns from CEO position.
