More Haumaha controversy

Dr Pauline Kingi has stepped down from the inquiry into the appointment of Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha, amid controversy about her ties to the man.

The shock announcement was made inside the debating chamber at Parliament and comes after extended calls from National MPs for her to be stood down over a perceived conflict of interest that stems from a number ‘‘endorsements’’ she had given to Haumaha on the social networking site LinkedIn.

Kingi, a well-respected public servant, was appointed by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin to lead the inquiry into the appointment process of Haumaha, after comments he made in support of the disgraced officers at the centre of Operation Austin – the investigation into historical police rape allegations made by Louise Nicholas.

National Party police spokesman Chris Bishop called for Kingi’s sacking yesterday, revealing she had endorsed Haumaha on LinkedIn 23 times.

‘‘Dr Kingi has publicly endorsed Mr Haumaha on LinkedIn for 23 skills, including leadership, crime prevention and stakeholder management.

‘‘Dr Kingi cannot possibly lead an independent inquiry into Mr Haumaha’s appointment,’’ Bishop said.

Addressing Parliament during

‘‘Dr Kingi cannot possibly lead an independent inquiry into Mr Haumaha’s appointment.’’ National Party police spokesman Chris Bishop

Question Time yesterday, Martin said Kingi had advised she would be standing down due to the attacks on her integrity

Martin said she was advised just before Question Time that Kingi was going to stand down from the inquiry.

‘‘Ever since she has been appointed to the role she has been the subject of political attack. There have been attacks on her integrity, attacks on her reputation and even attacks on her legal qualification. Dr Kingi has a 28-year career in public service as both a community member and senior public servant and as a lawyer.

‘‘She was asked to perform a public duty and yet became the subject of a undue and unwarranted criticism. The Government has accepted her resignation and will commence the process to find a replacement.’’

Martin said Kingi had signed a declaration that she had no conflict of interest before taking up the position.

ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha has received support from various iwi and cultural leaders amid a government inquiry into the process that saw him appointed.