July 02, 2018
Titewhai Harawira supports Wally Haumaha
Ngāpuhi kuia and Māori rights campaignerTitewhai Harawira says criticism of new deputy police commissioner Wally Haumaha is misplaced.
Mr Haumaha has come under fire from victims’ rights advocate Louise Nicholas and People Against Prisons Aotearoa for comments made by him that were reported to the 2004 Operation Austin investigation into police sex allegations.
He apologised last week for the comments and said they did not reflect his view or the values he brings to the job.
Mrs Harawira says supporting one’s workmates is a natural reaction, but Mr Haumaha’s support did not continue blindly once the facts came out in court.
"And I watched this unfold. And I watched and saw Wally supporting his workmates, as he should have. And when things began to unfold I realised he was stepping away, like it should happen", she says.
Titewhai Harawira says Wally Haumaha has not sought promotions but has been pushed up by Māori communities who appreciate his efforts to change police culture and make it more responsive to diversity.
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