Police Minister Stuart Nash has asked Police Commissioner Mike Bush how he intends to respond to the Independent Police Complaints Authority report on complaints against Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha.

In his letter he said he was disappointed the IPCA found Mr Haumaha had acted unprofessionally towards staff on a 2016 justice sector project to improve outcomes for Māori, a complaint that was only made after Mr Haumaha was appointed deputy commissioner in July.

While the report did not make any recommendations on finding improper and unprofessional behaviour requires follow up action.

Mr Nash wants to know by January 17 how Police will manage future inter-agency work aimed at improving justice sector outcomes for Māori, and that there is a clear project management framework for all inter-agency projects.

The IPCA criticised Mr Haumaha asking team members if they were committed to the project.

Mr Nash said Mr Haumaha was appointed to his current role to help the commissioner deliver on the Government’s priorities for Police, including strengthening the police relationship with Māori, reducing Māori reoffending and working with other justice sector agencies to reduce the prison population.

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