Allegations of a bullying culture are being levelled against senior management at the Ministry of Health.

Labour MP Annette King has raised the matter at select committee hearings today after receiving a letter from a senior official alleging a culture of bullying and destructive behaviour among senior ministry managers.

"They're appalled at the culture of bullying, intimidation and destructive behaviour with some senior leaders within the Ministry of Health..degrading comments and overt discussions about the removal of DHB leaders that the Ministry of Health and the National Health Board officials don't like."

Ministry of Health Chief Executive Chai Chuah has told MPs that the Ministry of Health have a culture of openness and transparency and bullying is not to be tolerated. He says he has made this explicit to his staff.

"When I go around to individual departments now I reinforce the culture of engagement and open transparency. Bullying is not to be tolerated."