Labour MP Peeni Henare has backed his colleague Meka Whaitiri as investigations into an alleged assault on a staff member continues.
Mr Henare was seen entering a Labour Māori Caucus meeting today when he was asked if he still had confidence in Ms Whaitiri.
"One hundred per cent, Meka has proven herself as a local MP and I have worked closely with her on many occasions and have the utmost faith in her ability."
Mr Henare said the only time he may have witnessed Ms Whaitiri in a physical altercation was "maybe on the netball court".
Ms Whaitiri stepped down as Customs Minister over an alleged assault on a staff member. (Source: Other)
His comments come as Ms Whaitiri stood down as Customs Minister last week over what 1 NEWS understands is an allegation of assault on a staff member levelled against her.
Ms Whaitiri is a protege of former Labour Minister Parekura Horomia.
A source close to Mr Horomia's office told 1 NEWS that during the time Ms Whaitiri worked as a senior private secretary, she allegedly used threatening behaviour to staff and then Prime Minister Helen Clark's office was forced to step in.
Ministerial services are undertaking the investigation but there's no date yet on when it will be completed.
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