Public servant quits Disability Support Services after complaints following Christmas party

A public servant at Disability Support Services, which is part of the Ministry of Social Development, has quit after complaints from colleagues following a Christmas function. Photo / Bevan Conley

A public servant has quit their role after a probe into complaints from female staff of “unacceptable behaviour” following their work Christmas party.

The Ministry of Social Development’s deputy chief executive for Disability Support Services (DSS) Anne Shaw confirmed to the Herald it received two complaints involving an employee after its December 11 Christmas function.

“We immediately dealt with the complaint and the staff member complained about no longer works for us,” Shaw said.

She said DSS supports the women who spoke up about the incident.

“We take any claims of inappropriate behaviour very seriously,” she said.

She said the incident happened outside the office later in the evening after the function was over.

“We thought it was important to let all staff at DSS know there had been complaints and that the staff member complained of had resigned, as we take any claims of inappropriate behaviour very seriously.”

A whistleblower who contacted the Herald claimed “alcohol was supplied and consumed in a manner that posed serious risk to staff health and safety” at the Christmas party.

In response to claims of “excessive” alcohol consumption at the event, Shaw said the department’s alcohol policy was clear.

“The consumption of alcohol on MSD premises at any time requires the prior approval of a manager,” she said.

“For social gatherings at our national office site, guidance is that alcohol cannot be consumed before 4pm and people need to leave by 7.30pm. Hosts need to have food available as part of being a responsible host.

“These policies were complied with,” she said.

A spokeswoman for Social Development Minister Louise Upston said it was “an operational matter for MSD/DSS” but would not say if the politician had been made aware of the incident.

“The minister expects all matters of this nature to be taken seriously,” the spokeswoman said.

Ethan Manera is a Wellington-based journalist covering Wellington issues, local politics and business in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.