The Labour Party is questioning why departing deputy chief executive of the Ministry of Social Development Janet Grossman was paid a termination benefit.
Speaking on behalf of Social Development Minister Paula Bennett in Parliament on Thursday, Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman confirmed a payment had been made to Ms Grossman but would not say how much.
Ms Grossman left the ministry just 11 months after being hired from the UK. Dr Coleman said she left to pursue opportunities in Britain.
Labour's social development spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says a termination benefit is given only if someone is made redundant, and she is calling on Ms Bennett to explain.
