Police say they interviewed a civil servant accused of “unacceptable behaviour” at a Ministry of Social Development Christmas party but decided no criminal charges were warranted. Anne Shaw, MSD’s deputy chief executive for Disability Support Services, described the incident as “unacceptable behaviour”. However, the commission said it had not received a disclosure and referred the matter back to MSD, as reported by Stuff. Shaw rejected claims of a workplace culture of excessive drinking, saying strict rules governed alcohol at MSD functions. “The consumption of alcohol on MSD premises at any time required the prior approval of a manager,” she said.

Source: Stuff January 14, 2026 15:44 UTC