Just months after indicating he would reapply for his role as Telecommunications Commissioner, Ross Patterson has been dumped from the position and replaced by Stephen Gale, an associate member of the Commerce Commission.
Labour communications spokeswoman Clare Curran said the Government's decision not to reappoint Patterson might be illegal and has requested the Auditor-General to investigate the appointment.
"The Government had clearly signalled it wanted to get rid of Patterson, who has maintained a strong independent role as the watchdog for the important telco industry," Curran said.
"It is my understanding that the appointment of his successor Stephen Gale may have breached public sector requirements, specifically around the appointment process and the description of the appointment."
Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams said an independent panel was convened to consider the 44 applications for the role of Telecommunications Commissioner and recommended the appointment of Gale.