Whaitiri to work from home

Embattled Labour MP Meka Whaitiri will likely not be in Parliament this week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

Despite the House returning from a two-week break today, Ardern said the suspended minister would likely be working from her home constituency office this week.

Whaitiri, who had been the customs minister, was stood down from all of her ministerial positions last Thursday night, while an investigation is carried out into an issue between her and a staffer.

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

‘‘Of course, her role continues on as a member of Parliament whether she’s in Wellington, or in her home constituency.

‘‘She’s been stood aside from her ministerial roles but remains, of course, a member of Parliament.’’

Ardern confirmed Whaitiri was still being paid her ministerial salary of $243,841 while the investigation took place.

If Whaitiri were to come to Parliament, she would almost certainly face a barrage of questions from reporters.

She will remain as an MP and co-chairwoman of Labour’s Ma¯ ori caucus while Ministerial Services conducts the investigation.

It’s alleged a physical altercation took place between Whaitiri and a member of her staff, which other media have reported as an assault.

Different sources have offered differing versions of events, but all allege Whaitiri got physical during the confrontation after yelling at the staffer.

The press secretary was a new addition to the office, which Stuff understands has gone through an entire rotation of staff during Whaitiri’s time as minister.

Stuff has tried to contact Whaitiri to put the allegations to her.

There have been a growing number of questions asked about the number of staff going through Whaitiri’s office.

Ministerial staffers sign eventbased contracts, which mean ministers can fire them at-will if the relationship breaks down, with no real recourse for the employee, other than a payout.

For an investigation to be held, the claims would have to be ‘‘significant and serious’’, Stuff has been told.

Ardern hoped the probe would take ‘‘in the order of weeks’’.

If Whaitiri were to leave Parliament, it would spark a by-election in her Ma¯ori electorate of Ikaroa-Rawhiti.

It seems some caucus members already believe she’s unlikely to return to the executive, with Labour MP Peeni Henare telling Ma¯ori Television’s Te Ka¯ ea that the situation could be a chance for up-and-comers.

‘‘For example, Willow-Jean Prime and Kiritapu Allan, who would make excellent ministers. There’s plenty who could do the job,’’ he said.

‘‘Her role continues on as a member of Parliament whether she’s in Wellington, or in her home constituency.’’ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Labour MP Meka Whaitiri, left