The State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes has told the High Court he and former Ministry of Social Development chief executive Brendan Boyle acted properly when they told their ministers Winston Peters had been paid too much superannuation.
The Deputy Prime Minister is taking legal action against Mr Hughes and Mr Boyle, and former National ministers Paula Bennett and Anne Tolley, claiming they breached his privacy.
Mr Peters' lawyer Brian Henry asked Mr Hughes whether Mr Boyle could have kept his minister Paul Bennett fully informed without naming Mr Peters.
Winston Peters paid back nearly $18,000 after it emerged he'd been paid superannuation at the wrong rate for several years.
The High Court case is continuing.
