New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon has accepted the resignation of his Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly after a confrontation with a staff member.
In the latest unwanted hiccup for the under-pressure National government, Mr Bayly announced his resignation following the incident, offering only vague details to describe his behaviour.
Mr Bayly said he had "an animated discussion with a staff member about work" and "took the discussion too far".
"I placed a hand on their upper arm, which was inappropriate. I have apologised to the staff member and regret placing them in an uncomfortable position," he said on Monday.
The incident is not the first piece of questionable behaviour by My Bayly, a colourful character who was a banker, a soldier and an adventurer - even dragging a sled to the South Pole - before entering parliament.
In October, he was reprimanded by Mr Luxon for calling a winery worker a "loser", making an L shape with his fingers on his forehead, and telling him to "f... off", which he said was in jest.
Regarding last week's incident, it is not clear whether he was intimidatory, aggressive or violent as both Mr Bayly and Mr Luxon have refused to outline specifics.
A complaint has been laid by the staff member, with Mr Bayly deciding to resign.
"He identified the interaction as falling short of his own expectations, he proactively came to me and offered his resignation (which) is the right thing to do," Mr Luxon said.
The prime minister defended not sacking Mr Bayly, and the six-day timeframe between the incident taking place and Mr Bayly announcing it.
After the confrontation on Tuesday, Mr Bayly informed the prime minister on Thursday, decided to resign on Friday night, which was then announced on Monday.
"I think that's been pretty quick ... I think it's been very effective and very fast," Mr Luxon said.
Mr Bayly has opted not to resign as an MP, with Scott Simpson promoted into cabinet as Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister.
Mr Luxon made the remarks in Auckland before beginning a trade mission to Vietnam.
