Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has announced Minister Kiri Allan will return to work on Monday and resume her full duties.
Hipkins met with Allan on Friday morning after accusations surfaced alleging mistreatment of staff in Allan's office.
Last month, the Department of Conservation (DoC) director-general Penny Nelson said she became aware of "concerns" about working relationships in the office more than a year ago. Nelson said a staffer seconded to Allan's office chose to leave early due to those working relationships. Allan held the Conservation Minister role between November 2020 and June 2022.
The revelation came while Allan was on a week of leave for mental health reasons. She returned to work, faced with allegations from a senior public servant that she had screamed and yelled at them.
Allan has rejected all allegations regarding the working relationships in her office, adding that no formal complaints have been made.
Prime Minister Hipkins said he "suggested" to Kiri that she "take a couple of weeks off" and the pair will speak when he returned from a Europe trip.
In a statement on Friday afternoon, Hipkins said he had met with Allan to discuss her recent leave and allegations made against her and that she will resume her full duties.
"Kiri has had a rough time lately, both personally and at work, and I'm pleased she is in a much better space after taking some time off and getting some professional support," Hipkins said.
"Mental wellbeing should never be a source of shame or embarrassment. I commend Kiri for speaking publicly about her recent struggles and I’ve been resolutely committed to supporting her through that.
"Mental health challenges can confront any of us. It's important we create an environment where people can speak openly about that and get any help they need."
Hipkins went on to praise Allan as a "talented minister" who has made a "huge contribution" to Government.
"It's important we have a diversity of views, voices and experiences around the Cabinet table and Kiri's recent experiences only adds to that," he said.
While addressing the allegations, Hipkins said Allan sets high standards and expectations for herself and her staff out of passion for her work.
"But staff and officials must be treated with respect, and there is clear guidance for MPs around that. Kiri agrees with me on that," Hipkins said.
"Coming to grips with being a Minister can be tough, especially in the first year. When you add the fact Kiri has battled and overcome cancer in that time plus some personal challenges it’s understandable that she was feeling under pressure.
"Regardless, I've made my expectations to Ministers around their conduct crystal clear and Kiri has agreed to focus on the way she interacts with those around her and make improvements where necessary. I expect all Ministers to do the same."
When Allan returns to work she will receive extra coaching to support her to create a positive working environment, Hipkins said.
Allan said it has been a tough time for her but she knows she will come out a "stronger and better person".
"I apologise to anyone who has found my behaviour towards them unacceptable. I will also offer that apology personally to anyone who wants to talk to me individually," Allan said.
"I want to create a working environment where we set high expectations and work hard to achieve them. But I’ll be working extra hard to make sure those around me know and see how much I appreciate them and value the work they do.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to work and focussing on the important tasks we have ahead."
