A senior member of staff at the Ministry of Transport has been stood down for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Ministry chief Peter Mersi said a complaint has been made to the Serious Fraud Office over what's thought to be six-figure amount - and an investigation has begun.

It's alleged Jo Harrison, the Ministry's former general manager of organisational development, stole the money through false contracting arrangements.

Mr Mersi said the Ministry's focus is on ensuring she's held fully to account for her actions - and to recover any money which may have been misappropriated.