Auckland Council organisation Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) says it has accepted the resignation of the incoming Auckland Art Gallery director Gregory Burke, who was due to start in the role next month.
Gregory Burke. Photo: Auckland Council
Mr Burke had been working in Canada where media outlets reported earlier this month that an harassment complaint had been made against him.
Mr Burke has directed a number of art galleries in New Zealand and Canada over the past 20 years, including New Plymouth's Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, The Power Plant in Toronto and the Mendel Art Gallery in Saskatoon.
He moved to Canada in 2005 and has since been a member of multiple art gallery boards in Ontario and Toronto.
Canada's public broadcaster, CBC has reported that the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission was investigating the allegation.
In a statement, RFA chief executive Chris Brooks said he accepted Mr Burke's decision and wishes him the best for the future.
"Our focus, as always, is on the exciting opportunities ahead for Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, as we recommence our search for a new Gallery Director," he said.
For reasons of privacy, Mr Brooks said Regional Facilities Auckland would not make any further comment.