14 August 2018

Haumaha should stand aside

New allegations about Wally Haumaha means the Deputy Commissioner now has no choice but to stand down while he’s being investigated, National’s Police spokesperson Chris Bishop says.

“There are now allegations of Mr Haumaha contacting an important witness to an alleged bullying incident after the Herald started asking questions, which shows that it’s not appropriate for him to be in the role while the investigation is taking place,” Mr Bishop says.

“There must now also be an assurance that the government inquiry into Mr Haumaha’s appointment as Deputy Commissioner will protect witnesses otherwise it won’t to get to the truth.

“I understand a number of officers wish to give evidence to the inquiry, but they are rightly concerned about their identities and job positions being kept confidential, for fear of possible consequences down the track when the inquiry reports back.

In order to get to the truth, the inquiry must institute some form of protected disclosure regime, and do it quickly.

“The Prime Minister cannot express confidence in him. There were new allegations last week of bullying and the latest allegations of him contacting important witnesses. This role is too important for him to remain in while an inquiry is happening, for the sake of trust in the Police he must stand aside,” Mr Bishop says.

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