Claim Winston Peters called under-fire cop

Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters called Wally Haumaha to assure him “things would be okay” despite the deputy police commissioner being at the centre of a government inquiry, claims a National Party MP.

Peters announced the inquiry into the process which led to the appointment of Haumaha as the country’s second most senior police officer soon after the Herald revealed controversial comments he made.

But under the protection of Parliamentary privilege, Chris Bishop alleged Peters contacted Haumaha after the inquiry was announced.

“He gave him assurances, or words to that effect, that things would be okay,” Bishop claimed in Parliament, contact which he described as “deeply, wildly inappropriate”.

Bishop called on Peters to explain the alleged phone call, as well as who invited Peters to a celebration for Haumaha’s promotion to Assistant Commissioner last year.

The Herald has sought comment from Peters, who is again Acting Prime Minister, and Haumaha.

Bishop also called for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to stand Haumaha down while he is at the centre of two investigations.

Mary Scholtens, QC, is heading the inquiry into the appointment process which was recently extended from six to 11 weeks to interview 44 witnesses which have come forward.

A second investigation, by the Independent Police Conduct Authority, is probing formal complaints of bullying by two women.