A well known Māori leader is rallying behind deputy police commissioner Wally Haumaha who is facing an inquiry on his appointment into the role.
Superintendent Wally Haumaha, Deputy Chief Executive, Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services. Photo: RNZ / Lynda Chanwai-Earle
The inquiry will look at whether Mr Haumaha was suitable for the role and the process that led to him receiving the job, in light of comments he made in 2004 in defence of police officers accused of rape.
Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish has worked with Mr Haumaha for years and said she had never seen him ever do anything inappropriate in his police role.
Mr Haumaha, Dame Naida said, had been the face of Māori police and she questioned why an inquiry was being held in the first place.
"No other person has ever had to go through this public scrutiny for this role - no one, Māori or otherwise."
Mr Haumaha had promotions throughout the past 14 years, she said, and she wondered why he was being questioned now.
The six week inquiry, which is due to start on 6 August, is being led by Māori community leader, Pauline Kingi.