Prime Minister John Key should intervene over the shock resignation of a private sector board helping New Zealand companies expand into China, Labour leader Phil Goff says.
All members of the China Beachhead Advisory Board resigned last week, saying NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) was undermining their work.
Board chair David Mahon said it had become clear to members it was unwanted by NZTE in China.
Mr Goff today said he was deeply concerned by the board's resignation.
"To have somebody like David Mahon who's worked there for 26 years, been a shining light for New Zealand in China, actually resign with the whole of his board is very bad news for New Zealand," he said.
"With this sort of shock resignation, and obviously a huge amount of ill-will between the advisory board and the Government, this is something that John Key needs to address personally and put to rights."
Mr Goff said the free trade agreement between New Zealand and China had opened up the door to trade.
"But I said at the time we've got to make sure the Government and the private sector are working together to go through that door."
NZTE has said it would not replace the board.