New Zealand's public sector watchdog has slammed the Ministry of Pacific Peoples for spending tens of thousands on a farewell event.

It's been revealed the Ministry splashed nearly $40,000 on a goodbye event for former chief executive Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, who was moving to another ministry. 

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says an event of this scale funded by taxpayers' money gives ACT ammo to slash the department.

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• $40,000 ministry spend to farewell boss falls foul of public service rules- report