Auckland Art Gallery’s incoming director is "eager to clear any speculation of wrongdoing" in response to a workplace harassment allegation against him.
Gregory Burke is due to take over as director at the gallery in the first week of April, but an investigation by a Canadian Human Rights Commissions has raised questions about that.
Mr Burke's currently the CEO and executive director of the Remai Modern Art Museum (previously called the Mendel Art Gallery) in Saskatoon, Canada, where he has worked since 2013.
In a statement he said: "I am aware of an unproven allegation against me that dates back to 2013 and was filed in 2016".
Canadian Network CBC News is reporting the complaint being looked into by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is from a woman Mr Burke worked with during that time.
She has not been identified and her allegation has not been proven in court.
CBC News says the commission document it has obtained does not detail the specifics of the allegation being investigated.
"I continue to cooperate fully and engage actively in the process," said Mr Burke.
"I am eager to clear any speculation of wrongdoing since the allegation has been incorrectly characterised in media reports".
1 NEWS is seeking clarification from Mr Burke about what has been "incorrectly characterised".
Due to the sensitivities involved, he says can’t speak publicly about the situation until the process is complete.
"I appreciate the messages of support that I have received to date and will provide further comment in the very near future," Mr Burke said.
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