Rebuked worker 'on leave'

Josie Bullock

Corrections officer Josie Bullock, disciplined last month for refusing to sit behind men at a powhiri, has been stood down from work for talking to the media about her case.

The Auckland woman was given an oral warning for the way she handled the graduation ceremony in December.

She was also told not to discuss the case with the media, which has followed her story and the issues surrounding the balancing of women's rights to equality and traditional Maori protocol.

Ms Bullock ignored that directive and spoke to the media about her warning and how she would continue to sit with men at another ceremony.

She has been put on special leave while the Department of Corrections decides how to handle her. A decision is expected today or Monday.

United Future MP Marc Alexander said it was a travesty that she was facing further disciplinary action.

"She was told she might have breached three clauses of an employee code of conduct ... If that's the case maybe it's time to rip up the rule-book and start again."