ACT has issued a farewell to departing public servant Sir Collin Tukuitonga, saying people in such roles should "get with the programme or get out".
Tukuitonga told RNZ Pacific yesterday he had resigned as the chairman of Te Whatu Ora Pacific Senate, along with several other government advisory roles.
He said he didn't want to work for the new Government and had "no confidence" in it, adding he didn't believe the Government would "treat Pacific people well".
Health and Public Service spokesperson Todd Stephenson said ACT welcomed the resignation of any public officials who couldn't "bring themselves to implement the programme outlined by the elected Government".
He said public servants were employed to serve the public through the government of the day to the best of their abilities.
“If someone believes they can’t do that because of their personal political beliefs – including the belief that some ethnic groups should be treated differently by the government simply because of their race – they should resign.
“It’s in no-one’s interest to have top public advisors glumly going through the motions in high-paid positions when potential champions for service delivery would jump at the chance to fill those roles. In short, get with the programme or get out.”
Stephenson said ACT thanked Tukuitonga for his service and "wishes him well in future endeavours".
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