The final "trying" weeks of convicted drug mule Sharon Armstrong's tenure at the Maori Language Commission were spent working from home after a dispute between her and other staff.

Ms Armstrong was deputy chief executive at the commission until her resignation in 2010.

She was arrested in Argentina last April with more than 5kg of cocaine in a false bottom in her suitcase.

A copy of her final performance review, seen by The Dominion Post, revealed she spent the "trying" last months of her time there working from home.

"I believe my own actions have been professional and despite some very slanderous comments made about myself by some staff I have continued to complete my handover," she wrote.

The "current situation" made it too difficult for her to work in the Wellington office.

"I believe my personal and professional highlights have been the projects that I have led."

The nature of the allegations was not made clear in the performance review.

Former acting chief executive Wayne Ngata signed off on Armstrong's final performance review and awarded her a 10 per cent bonus for "outstanding performance".

"You can be assured that your movement out of the organisation is viewed positively by the organisation," he said.

Mr Ngata refused to be interviewed for this article, saying he did not trust mainstream media.

However, a letter from corporate services manager Tuehu Harris shows Mr Ngata was told at the time that there was a cap on public sector salaries and no bonus payments should be made.

"Sharon has resigned on her own accord to pursue another career path and she should not be entitled to receive any further bonus payments," Mr Harris wrote.

Former chief executive Huhana Rokx resigned in 2010 after a collective complaint against her by staff.

Sir Wira Gardiner conducted an independent inquiry into the complaint, the findings of which were never made public.

Ms Rokx recently told The Dominion Post she regretted having made personal spends on her departmental credit card during her time as chief executive but would not comment on other issues relating to the commission.

She spent $4503 on personal items between July 2008 and June 2010 but repaid the money.

Chief executive Glenis Philip-Barbara said she could not talk about the matter because of a confidentiality agreement covering Ms Rokx's departure.

"I can't comment on past history or unsubstantiated claims."

Her focus was on improving the daily use of te reo Maori, she said.

Despite numerous attempts, Ms Armstrong could not be contacted. She is in a Buenos Aires prison awaiting an appeal on her drug smuggling conviction.

Accountability in question B5

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