Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Andrew Bayly has publicly apologised following a complaint alleging he swore at, mocked, and ridiculed a man during a ministerial visit to a business.
The complainant expressed feeling “degraded, embarrassed, and deeply disrespected” by Bayly’s remarks, which included telling the man to “take some wine and f*** off home” and repeatedly calling him a “loser.”
Bayly acknowledged his comments were intended to be light-hearted but admitted they caused unintended offence.
He has since issued “unreserved apologies” both to the individual and to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who said he was disappointed by the incident but maintained his confidence in Bayly, warning that such conduct must not be repeated.
The incident has drawn public attention, with the complainant detailing the significant emotional impact of Bayly’s behaviour, describing the situation as “deeply uncomfortable”.
Bayly, while denying being intoxicated or intentionally hurtful, acknowledged his behaviour fell short of ministerial standards.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins used the incident to criticise Prime Minister Luxon for failing to enforce high standards within his Cabinet, calling it another example of weak leadership regarding his ministers’ conduct.
Bayly has confirmed he has no intention of stepping down from his role.
Full text of complaint letter released by Andrew Bayly
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the unacceptable behaviour I experienced at the hands of Andrew Bayly during his ministerial visit on OCT-24. This encounter left me feeling degraded, embarrassed, and deeply disrespected in front of my colleagues. The emotional impact of the incident is significant, and I believe it is important to bring this to your attention so that appropriate action can be taken.
When Andrew Bayly was introduced to me, one of the first things he asked was why I was still at work. His tone was dismissive, and he proceeded to say, “Take a bottle of wine and go home, go on, go home…take some wine and f*** off.”
His behaviour and the way he spoke to me suggested that he had been drinking prior to arriving, which made the situation even more uncomfortable. Certainly not the demeanour one would expect from a representative of the New Zealand Government.
As he stepped closer, invading my personal space until we were shoulder to shoulder, Andrew again questioned why I was still working, noting that no one else was on the warehouse floor. What followed next was both shocking and humiliating. He called me a “loser” repeatedly, saying the reason I was still at work was because I am a “loser.”
He turned to the group of people with him at the time, including my boss, the Minister’s assistant, marketing staff, and employees, and formed an ‘L’ with his fingers on his forehead.
He then continued to call me a “loser,” over and over, clearly trying to amuse the group at my expense. I felt angered and powerless in that moment, made to feel like I was the object of ridicule in front of my peers.
It was degrading to be insulted in such a personal way, and I was left feeling embarrassed. Being called a loser, repeatedly, by someone in a position of authority, and being made a laughing stock in front of my colleagues, was an experience that no one should have to endure.
After this, Andrew and the group left the warehouse, but twice Andrew returned, insisting that I come to the […] and “have a drink” with him.
On both occasions, I refused. The entire situation was deeply uncomfortable, and I felt as though I had no choice but to lock the warehouse early and leave, as I was overwhelmed with absolute disgust from the minister’s treatment towards myself.
The emotional impact of this incident has been significant. I have felt embarrassed, ridiculed, and degraded. To be publicly ridiculed and insulted in this way has left me deeply offended. I take pride in my work, and to be treated as though I was somehow lesser, or deserving of ridicule, is unacceptable.
I did not dedicate […] of my life to the […] only to be belittled by an ambassador of the very government I served.
I have been part of the […], I have been part of, and lead, […] – all of which require a form of etiquette severely lacking in Andrew Bayly. I believe that this behaviour should not be tolerated in any professional setting, and I am requesting that this matter be addressed promptly.
I deserve to work in an environment where I am treated with respect and dignity, and I trust that appropriate action will be taken to ensure this type of behaviour is rectified and does not happen again. I look forward to your response and to seeing how this matter will be resolved. Sincerely.
Reading this man’s letter, I would say he sounds like a pathetic manbunny. His victimised castrated woke language about ‘feelings’ and being ‘powerless in the moment’ just shows what a spineless creature he is.
I have no idea who this Andrew Bayly is, but if somebody spoke to me like that I would forcefully argue back and tell him to pull his head in. I wouldn’t cry and dribble like this pathetic little excuse for masculinity.