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Former Auditor-General Martin Matthews seeks redress over resignation

Mr Matthews said MPs on the Officers of Parliament committee, including former Speaker David Carter and current Speaker Trevor Mallard, had acted out of "political convenience".

"They decided they couldn't be bothered to complete their inquiry, instead they said they were prepared to perpetuate a lie and to permanently destroy my standing and reputation if I did not resign.

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Mary Scholtens said she was supporting Mr Matthews' petition because the way he was treated was "outrageous", "unconstitutional", and something that should be of "concern for all New Zealanders".

She said the Auditor-General's role had the capacity to annoy politicians of all stripes and their independence should be jealously preserved.

"It should not be possible for one of the few watchdogs in our system of government to be removed from office in response to unproven allegations, without a lawful basis or before a proper and fair process has been concluded.