New Zealand's government has lost its second minister to scandal this month with the sacking of the Customs Minister over an "incident" with a staff member.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday announced she was removing Meka Whaitiri from office, following an investigation into an exchange Ms Whaitiri allegedly had with one of her employees.
"I no longer have confidence in Meka Whaitiri as a minister," Ms Ardern told reporters in her Wellington office.
Media reports earlier suggested Ms Whaitiri - the Labour Party member for Ikaroa-Rawhiti - had been accused of "manhandling" a newly appointed staff member last month.
The prime minister would not confirm the details of the complaint or a report into the matter, declining to say if there had been a physical altercation.
"While the facts are in dispute, the report says an incident occurred," she said.
"Meka Whaitiri continues to contest details of the incident, but there are elements which are agreed."
Further details could not be divulged because the incident was an employment matter and the privacy of the employee needed to be protected, Ms Ardern said.
A report for the public was being prepared.
Ms Whaitiri - who was a minister outside cabinet and also held several associate ministerial roles - was stood aside in August when the investigation was launched. She will remain a member of parliament and the co-chair of the Labour Party Maori caucus.
She is the second minister to lose her role this month.
Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran two weeks ago resigned following a series of scandals over undisclosed meetings, as well as questions about her use of a personal email account for government business.
Australian Associated Press
