National calls for Haumaha to ‘stand aside’
WELLINGTON: Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha now has ‘‘no choice but to stand aside’’ after confirmation that two official complaints about alleged bullying have been lodged against him, National says.
Earlier yesterday afternoon it was confirmed two women have now made formal complaints to police about alleged bullying by Mr Haumaha.
The complaints have been sent to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, which could also investigate the allegations.
‘‘The IPCA is assessing these matters and will communicate about next steps in due course,’’ deputy commissioner Andrew Coster said in a statement.
IPCA general manager Warren Young has now confirmed the police watchdog will independently investigate the bullying claims.
National police spokesman Chris Bishop said Mr Haumaha ‘‘must stand aside’’ in light of the complaints. Alternatively, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ‘‘should make him’’.
‘‘The complaints have now been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority,’’ Mr Bishop said.
‘‘It is just not tenable for Mr Haumaha to stay in the role while these official complaints are dealt with, which are on top of the independent inquiry into his appointment led by Mary Scholtens QC.
‘‘Mr Haumaha will be working at police headquarters either in or near the same office as witnesses to his alleged bullying.
‘‘Probity demands he stand aside while the inquiries take place.
‘‘The handling of this case by the Government has been woeful from the getgo and today’s revelations just continue what has been an utter debacle for the Government.’’
The complaints were laid by two of the three women who walked out of Police National Headquarters in June 2016 and refused to return because of Mr Haumaha’s alleged behaviour.
The official confirmation of the complaints came yesterday after it was reported one of the women had laid a formal complaint last week.