The Police Inspector leading the investigation into the Counties Manukau culture has stood aside from the assignment.
Inspector Pieter Roozendaal was today requested to stand down from the task after media inquiries recalling an incident in the late 1980s where alleged inappropriate humour was involved.
The allegation related to words said to a person in custody. Inspector Roozendaal has indicated that he was exonerated from the complaint but he accepts that words were used which were construed as inappropriate humour.
Acting Commissioner Steve Long, said that he had accepted Inspector Roozendaal's request.
"We will now be looking to quickly fill the role with a new investigator to support Sir David Tompkins."
Mr Long said that in the short time since the Counties Manukau investigation had been set up, Inspector Roozendaal had worked hard to put in place an inquiry that would enable the public and police staff to step forward with information relating to the terms of reference.