Police Minister Stuart Nash has spoken out in support of new deputy commissioner Wally Haumaha.
Louise Nicholas, whose allegations she was raped by Rotorua-based police officers Clint Rickards, Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum in the 1980s led to the 2004 Operation Austin investigation, says she hit the roof when he was appointed second in command.
She says Mr Haumaha was a friend of the trio and spoke in support of them during Operation Austin.
Minister Nash says Mr Haumaha, police and police ministers have learned from the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct and from the work of Ms Nicholas.
He says Mr Haumaha’s comments during Operation Austin were unacceptable and he learned from that and has gone on to do substantial and worthwhile work to improve the safety of women and youth.
He gave a commitment to Ms Nicholas that police will not take the foot off the accelerator in regards to ongoing efforts to improve their response to victims of offending.
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