Ardern pledges action on parliament’s ‘toxic culture’

Prime minister Jacinda Arden will take immediate “practical steps” to deal with unacceptable behavior in New Zealand’s parliament after a review described a toxic workplace with “master-servant relationships” between politicians, office managers and support staff.

“While I acknowledge we work in an environment of long hours and pressure, excuses won’t be tolerated,” she said in formal statement.

“The findings of this report are rightly being taken very seriously. Parliament, like any other workplace, should be free from bullying and harassment and we need to make improvements.”