Woman leaves Sharples' office but minister won't discuss reasons

Pita Sharples. File photo / Ross Setford

A young woman who has quit her job in Dr Pita Sharples' ministerial office is understood to be unhappy with the minister's attitude.

Ariaan Gage-Dingle, 26, is the daughter of mountaineer Graeme Dingle. She co-presented Maori Television children's show Pukoro before going to work for the Maori Party.

Sharples, 71, would not discuss the reasons for Gage-Dingle's resignation from his office. "She resigned and that was it," the Maori Affairs Minister said.

"I'm not going to discuss with you the reason why she resigned. I'm not going to tell you things like that. It has nothing to do with you or me really. There has been no complaint. I'm not going tell you anything about Ariaan's behaviour at work or whatever happened, or what she believes happened.

"She resigned and Ministerial Services took it over."

Spokespeople for the Maori Party and for Prime Minister John Key referred inquiries to Internal Affairs, which employs ministerial staff. Internal

Affairs spokesman Tony Wallace declined to discuss details, though he said Gage-Dingle was still on the payroll for the time being.

"We have robust policies in place to deal with allegations any staff member would have about the managers or colleagues they work with."