State Services boss apologises over Roger Sutton press conference

State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie has apologised over the Roger Sutton press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell

State Services boss Iain Rennie has apologised to public servants for holding a joint press conference with Roger Sutton to announce the disgraced former Canterbury Earthquake Recovery chief executive's resignation.

Mr Rennie's presence at the press conference last month, where Mr Sutton acknowledged his inappropriate behaviour towards female staff members, was widely criticised as a gesture of support for the former Cera boss in spite of his "serious misconduct".

Mr Rennie acknowledged his mistake for the first time publicly in a speech on integrity in the public service given to Public Service Association (PSA) members in Wellington today.

"The first step to making improvements is to acknowledge when mistakes are made", PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff said.

"By holding a joint press conference with Mr Sutton, the State Services Commission gave Mr Sutton an opportunity that was denied to the complainant."

Mr Rennie has acknowledged that his actions could leave public servants with less confidence to come forward in the future."

Prime Minister John Key said it was "right" for Mr Rennie to apologise.

"As I said at the time he made a miscalculation and I think he was wrong to give a joint press conference."