The Government was yesterday unable to say who initiated chief social worker Shannon Pakura's temporary position in Tariana Turia's office.
Associate Social Development Minister Ruth Dyson said it was "an agreed decision" to have Ms Pakura fill in as Mrs Turia's private secretary.
The appointment has drawn strong criticism from opposition
MPs, who say it is bizarre, inappropriate and must impact on Ms Pakura's important work for the Department of Child, Youth and Family.
Commissioner for Children Roger McClay said he feared his work would be compromised if Ms Pakura continued to work in Mrs Turia's office.
Mr McClay, a former National MP, said previously he had "a tremendous amount" of respect for Ms Pakura, but was worried that the independent nature of reports on two murdered children could be undermined.
Ms Dyson rejected that suggestion yesterday.
The chief social worker was "not responsible" for frontline delivery of CYF services, she said.
Under questioning from National MP Katherine Rich, Ms Dyson said she was unable to confirm whether Ms Pakura's appointment was initially proposed by Mrs Turia or the chief executive of CYF, "and frankly I'm not sure why it's relevant".
She told Parliament that Ms Pakura had worked an average of eight hours a week in Mrs Turia's office since June 30, and the job should finish next week.
Ms Turia, a minister outside the Cabinet, holds the portfolios of Associate Maori Affairs and Associate Social Development.
- NZPA
