LISTEN TO CHRIS BISHOP TALK WITH LARRY WILLIAMS ABOVE

The head of the independent inquiry into Wally Haumaha's appointment as deputy police commissioner cannot remember endorsing his skills and abilities online.

Dr Pauline Kingi was questioned by the chief executive of the Department of Internal Affairs this morning after the Herald contacted the office of Minister Tracey Martin who is overseeing the inquiry.

The Herald then revealed that Kingi, who is involved in selecting senior police officers, endorsed Haumaha on the professional networking website LinkedIn 23 times.

"She did confirm that she had, like many New Zealanders, set up a LinkedIn account when it was first launched," Martin told Parliament in reply to questions from National MP Chris Bishop.

"At that time it was common practice for Māori professionals to support each other through this new medium through endorsements."

Martin revealed Dr Kingi had declared she knew of Haumaha in a professional capacity and also attended the same tangi as Haumaha in 2015 or 2016.

"Dr Kingi has signed a declaration saying she has no conflict of interest in the appointment."

Martin expressed full confidence in the process which led to Dr King's appointment, as well as her suitability for the role, citing her "substantial CV" which contains being made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Bishop, National’s Police Spokesperson, says it's completely inappropriate.

"She's running an inquiry into the appointment of Mr Hauamaha. He is at the centrepiece of that inquiry and she has a relationship with the centrepiece of that inquiry. I don't think it's credible that she stays on in the role."

Dr Kingi, a well-respected public servant, was last week announced as chairwoman of the $150,000 inquiry to "examine, identify and report on the adequacy of the process".

She was appointed more than three weeks after the Herald revealed comments made by Haumaha during Operation Austin, an investigation into historic police rape allegations made by Louise Nicholas.

Kingi has been asked to begin her inquiry on August 6, and report within six weeks.