A top road policing boss has quit despite being cleared of wrongdoing over her relationship with a 17-year-old school boy.

Southern Police Inspector Tania Baron, 43, was seen removing her personal items at the Dunedin police station on Tuesday.

She told Stuff she had resigned from her job of more than 20 years.

"Sad to be leaving a career I have loved and given my all to," Baron later said.

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She would not comment further. It is understood she has signed a confidentiality agreement with police and received a payout.

Stuff understands that Baron, a mother-of-two, began a relationship with a 17-year-old high school student last year after they met at a cycling club in August.

The teen, now 18, who Stuff has chosen not to name, has posted several photos of Baron on social media.

Baron notified police of the relationship.

Around the same time the teen's mother went to police and complained about what she believed was an inappropriate relationship. A meeting between the mother and police was held. The boy's family declined to comment when contacted on Thursday.

Baron was stood down while police conducted an inquiry into the relationship but was later cleared of any wrongdoing and reinstated.

However, Baron has since left the police and reached a confidential settlement.

It is understood Baron believed her position had become untenable.

Baron's husband, who had also been a police officer, left the force last month for health reasons.

Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham declined to be interviewed but said in a statement on Thursday: "Tania Baron is a former member of NZ Police. We do not discuss employment matters relating to current or former staff and have no comment to make."

Baron took over the role of Southern District road policing manager in 2015. She was the first woman to take the region's top position.

She said at the time her vision was for the roads to be the safest in the country.

"Our team will take a strong stance on unacceptable behaviour. But we cannot do it alone. We need the public's help. Whether it's stopping a drunk driver getting behind the wheel, reporting instances of dangerous driver, or simply making sure you plan your journey and drive fresh so you reach your destination safely - road safety is the responsibility of everyone."

At the time, then Southern district commander Superintendent Andrew Coster said Baron was a competent leader and manager who combined solid operational policing experience with a strong strategic ability and he was delighted with the appointment.

"I am confident that, as the road policing manager, Tania will position southern police to have the greatest possible impact on road safety outcomes."

Baron has previously held a range of roles in Dunedin, including frontline policing, youth, prosecutions and leading case management across the district.