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Labour’s Meka Whaitiri has been stripped of her ministerial responsibilities and returned to the backbenches.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says after reading a report from Ministerial Services about an incident in Gisborne where a staff member was allegedly bullied, she no longer has confidence in the Ikaroa Rāwhiti MP.
However, the door is open for her to return later.
Ms Whaitiri continues to contest details of the incident.
The Department of Internal Affairs is preparing a report which can be released publicly.
Kris Faafoi will retain the role of Minister of Customs, while Ms Whaitiri's Associate Minister responsibilities for Agriculture, Crown Māori Relations, Forestry and Local Government stay sit with the lead portfolio ministers.
She retains her position as co-chair of the Labour Māori caucus.
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