Whaitiri to work from electorate

WELLINGTON: Meka Whaitiri was not with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday for the announcement of a $24 million overhaul of Wainuiomata High School — despite the school being in her Ikaroa-Rawhiti electorate.

News of an investigation into a ‘‘staffing matter’’ in Ms Whaitiri’s ministerial office broke at the tail end of a twoweek recess.

While Ms Whaitiri’s colleagues are all heading back to Parliament today, she will instead be based in her Gisborne electorate office, where she is continuing to be paid a ministerial salary.

Act New Zealand leader David Seymour said if Ms Whaitiri was cleared of any wrongdoing then she could be backpaid, but in the meantime she should not be collecting a ministerial salary.

‘‘Why is she getting paid, if she’s not working and liable to getting dismissed? Why should she continue on a full ministerial salary?’’

At the weekend, the Labour Maori caucus cochairman Willie Jackson supported Ms Whaitiri staying on in her cochairwoman role during the investigation.

‘‘She is still the MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti, she is still the cochair along with myself for the Maori caucus,’’ Mr Jackson told Newshub.

‘‘I think all New Zealanders would think there has to be an investigation and process to go through before Meka Whaitiri is shut down.’’

Ms Ardern said she supported Ms Whaitiri keeping her Maori caucus responsibilities.

‘‘She’s stood aside from her ministerial portfolios. All of her other roles remain for the time of the investigation.

‘‘Her role continues on as a Member of Parliament whether she’s in Wellington or in her home constituency.

‘‘My understanding is that she’s likely to be working out of her home constituency this week,’’ Ms Ardern said.

She would not comment on progress in the investigation into the incident by Ministerial Services.

The investigation is expected to take a couple of weeks.