New Zealand Labour's year from hell has continued with the surfacing of serious bullying allegations towards an MP days before voting begins in the October election.
A Newshub report featured anonymous allegations levelled at party whip Shanan Halbert from former staffers, who accuse the the Northcote MP of manipulative, scheming and narcissistic behaviour.
One described themselves as "broken when I left his office, absolutely broken," another said "he treated me like sh*t", and a third described feeling "paranoid and unable to sleep".
The claims were raised with the Labour party last year, which spoke to Mr Halbert.
They did not spark a formal investigation as the accusers wished to remain anonymous.
Speaking on Friday from Hawke's Bay on the campaign trail, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said "that behaviour, on the surface of it, is not acceptable", encouraging victims to formalise their complaints should they choose to.
Mr Halbert said he was unaware of the claims until this week.
"Occasionally employment issues arise in any workplace, but I have always done my best to work through those professionally and appropriately sought advice and support where required," he told Newshub.
Other Labour MPs attacked the reporting, with Marja Lurbeck posting to social media: "How about some fairness, some integrity. Accusations about an MP by anonymous accusers especially in an election campaign should not be used like that. It's wrong. Just stop".
Ms Lurbeck deleted her post, with Mr Hipkins saying he did not agree with her.
Mr Hipkins is no stranger to dealing with tough personnel issues during his time as prime minister, beginning in January when Jacinda Ardern stood down, citing a lack of energy.
In the past eight months, he has lost four senior ministers in different and challenging capacities.
Police Minister Stuart Nash, leaked cabinet discussions to party donors, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri defected to the Maori Party, Transport Minister Michael Wood failed to declare shareholdings, and Justice Minister Kiritapu Allan crashed her car after a spell of poor mental health.
All produced major headaches for Mr Hipkins, and days of negative headlines for the government.
The latest allegations overshadowed a policy announcement on Friday in Pahiatua, where Mr Hipkins pledged to continue funding school lunches for disadvantaged Kiwi kids.
"We know that if the programme wasn't in place there would be many children who would go without," he said.
After two terms in government, Labour trails the centre-right opposition National in all public polling.
