On February 24, 2025, New Zealand’s Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, Andrew Bayly, announced his resignation from all ministerial positions. The decision came after an incident in which Bayly admitted to displaying “overbearing” behavior towards a staff member during an “animated discussion.” During the exchange, he placed his hand on the staff member’s upper arm, an action he later recognized as inappropriate. Bayly expressed deep regret, stating, “I have apologized to the staff member and regret placing them in an uncomfortable position.”
Previous Incidents
This resignation follows a prior incident in October 2024, where Bayly faced criticism for calling a worker a “loser” and telling them to “take some wine and f*** off” during a site visit. At that time, he apologized, describing his behavior as “unbecoming of a government minister.”
Government Response
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accepted Bayly’s resignation, acknowledging that Bayly’s actions did not align with the standards expected of ministers. Effective immediately, Scott Simpson will assume the roles of Minister for ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Luxon expressed gratitude for Bayly’s contributions, stating, “I do want to thank Mr. Bayly for the hard work he has put into his ministerial portfolios.”
Conclusion
Bayly’s resignation underscores the importance of maintaining professional conduct within governmental roles. It highlights the New Zealand government’s commitment to upholding high standards of behavior among its officials.
