Sutton quits as Cera boss even though SSC chief Rennie wouldn't have sacked him

Roger Sutton has resigned as chief executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, a role he has held since 2011, after a complaint of sexual harassment from a senior staff member was investigated by the State Services Commission.

Sutton will leave effective Jan. 31, 2015, the day before Cera moves under the wing of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from being a stand-alone public service department.

State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie said the investigation found that Sutton's conduct "did not always meet the standard expected of public service leaders" but he was unlikely to have dismissed him.

Rennie praised Sutton for his "outstanding contribution to Canterbury" and the "strong legacy" he leaves for a successor. The complainant, who hasn't been identified, will receive "any ongoing support required," Rennie said, adding that the commission would also ensure there was support for Sutton.

"To protect the privacy of the parties involved in this complaint and to respect undertakings of confidentiality, the investigation report and details of the exact nature of the complaint will not be released," Rennie said.

Arrangements were being made to find an acting CEO for Cera from Feb. 1 next year.