The Prime Minister has been forced to answer questions about the conduct of a senior minister, while he's in China on a diplomatic and trade mission.
A Department of Conservation boss flagged concerns about the work environment in Kiri Allan's office more than a year ago.
DOC has confirmed one staffer ended a secondment early due to problems with work relationships in the office.
Ms Allan has been on leave from Parliament this week.
She posted on social media that she has been struggling with mental health and wellness and needed some time to get help and back on track.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says work has been done to improve working relations in Ms Allan's office and no further problems have arisen.
He says ministers and Beehive staff work in a high pressure environment.
In a statement, Kiri Allan says she has had great working relationships with her staff.
She says she's always made clear her high expectations of senior public servants and herself.
