Face of the Day

Embattled former minister Andrew Bayly has taken two weeks’ leave from parliament to trek to Mt Everest’s base camp in Nepal.

Bayly stepped down from his portfolios last month after grabbing a male staffer’s upper arm during a discussion he described as “animated”.

RNZ understands he requested personal leave shortly after his resignation
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s office said it was very rare for National to grant personal leave while parliament was sitting, but requests were considered on a case-by-case basis.

At today’s post-Cabinet press conference, Luxon said it was important Bayly had some time to clear his head after resigning.

“It was an emotional decision to resign and not unreasonable for him to have time off,” Luxon said.