Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says Rob Campbell's comments "fell well outside" the code of conduct Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has declined to express confidence in the chair of Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ Rob Campbell after he made "inappropriate" political comments online.
In a LinkedIn post over the week, Campbell - who also chairs the Environmental Protection Authority - lambasted the National Party's Three Waters policy as a thinly disguised "dog whistle on co-governance".
He went on to target National's leader, writing: "Christopher Luxon might be able to rescue his party from stupidity on climate change but rescuing this from a well he has dug himself might be harder."
Under the Public Service Commission's code of conduct, directors of crown entities must act in a politically impartial manner.
Speaking at a media conference on Monday afternoon, Hipkins told reporters Campbell's comments were "inappropriate" and "fell well outside" the code of conduct.
"Some of the public commentary that he has made steps well outside of the politically neutral stance that we would expect," Hipkins said.
"Ministers responsible will be raising [that] with him."
Asked directly whether he had confidence in Campbell, Hipkins said: "There's a process [to work through]".
Speaking to RNZ earlier in the day, Campbell defended his remarks, saying they were made as a private citizen. Campbell declined to justify making the comments as a board chair, simply saying "it is what it is".
National Party public service spokesperson Simeon Brown said Campbell's conduct was "absolutely appalling" and his excuse did not fly.
"His job is to fix the health system and make sure people don't have long waiting lists - not to be making running commentary on National Party policy."
Brown said Campbell's behaviour raised serious questions about his judgement, but declined to say whether he should be sacked.
ACT leader David Seymour showed no such restraint, telling RNZ he did not see how Campbell could remain in the job.
"If he is able to get away with this, what signal does that send to the rest of the public service?" he said. "The Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes needs to take a stand here."
Len Cook has worked in the public service for more than two decades as a government statistician in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
His first impression of Campbell's comments was that they portrayed his "forthright" reputation but were unwise given his position.
"Being appointed having known views is not unusual but he's also got a role where he shouldn't be jeopardising his ability to have good faith relationships with the opposition."
Cook had found himself in hot water during his time as a public servant but he had been much, much younger and apologised for the mistake.
"I remember in 1977 I wrote a paper with someone attacking National super that had just come out and it got me on the front page of The Sunday Times.
"I got a real spanking from the government statistician for that but it was a rather good learning experience for a 27-year-old. Rob's not 27-years-old."
Cook said public servants weren't expected to be "politically neutered" but their views should not interfere with the way they carried out their roles.
A spokesperson for the Public Service Commissioner declined to comment.
Campbell is ultimately responsible to the Health Minister Ayesha Verrall and Environment Minister David Parker.
Spokespeople for the ministers declined to comment to RNZ, deferring instead to the prime minister's comments.
Campbell has been the subject of controversy before. Last year, he voiced support for Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick's proposed law aimed at reducing alcohol harm.
He was also criticised for holding Te Whatu Ora board meetings behind closed doors and dismissed the "non-issue" as "providing occupational therapy for journalists".
