Wally Haumaha says he's pleased by an inquiry, which found his appointment as a deputy police commissioner was correctly carried out.
Superintendent Wally Haumaha, Deputy Chief Executive, Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services. Photo: RNZ / Lynda Chanwai-Earle
A review of Mr Haumaha's promotion has found the process was adequate and fit for purpose.
In a statement, the deputy police commissioner said he was grateful to those who supported him and his family.
He gained personal insights during the investigation, he said.
"It has not been easy for anyone, as I know from my own weeks and months waiting for the outcome.
"I am especially grateful to my whanau and the many iwi leaders who have supported me and my family. I also want to thank the great number of people, many unknown to me, who have also given us their support."
The Independent Police Conduct Authority is still looking into two formal complaints of bullying by Mr Haumaha.
The report released today also revealed survivors' advocate Louise Nicholas, who raised concerns in the wake of Wally Haumaha's appointment, subsequently met with him and was clear her intention wasn't to end his appointment and she was open to a working relationship with him.
Mr Haumaha was appointed in the role in May by the Governor-General on the recommendations of both the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Police Minister Stuart Nash.
His rise to the top ranks has been under a cloud ever since Ms Nicholas went public with her reservations about Mr Haumaha's appointment given comments he had made defending police officers accused of rape in 2004.
In the middle of the government inquiry police confirmed they had received an allegation of bullying on a joint project with the Justice Ministry headed by Mr Haumaha in 2016.
Mary Scholtens QC, who headed the inquiry, said the process was sound and no relevant information was omitted given there was no official complaint made to police about Mr Haumaha's conduct as part of the project.
"Without a complaint there was nothing to take into account,'' Ms Scholtens wrote.
