Meka Whaitiri questions staff member's credibility after report release

Meka Whaitiri continues to dispute the allegations against her, with her lawyer saying they have "serious concerns" with how the investigation into her actions was carried out.

The Labour MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti was stood down from her position as Minister after an altercation with a staff member in her Gisborne office.

The final report into the incident has been released on Friday after an investigation was carried out by barrister David Patten.

He found Ms Whaitiri likely did grab her employee by the arm and raise her voice.

"The Minister in fact approached Employee A from slightly behind and grabbed Employee A by the arm," Mr Patten wrote.

But Ms Whaitiri continues to disagree with the findings. In a letter to Mr Patten, her lawyer attacked Ms Whaitiri's former staff member's credibility and says there was "potentially a political element" to the matter.

"We have a number of concerns about Employee A's credibility which have not been considered in the draft report," he wrote.

"Employee A's version of events appears to have changed throughout this process, yet the draft report fails to mention or consider those inconsistencies."

Ms Whaitiri's lawyer also claims an email sent to the Prime Minister's office, the chief of staff and Employee A's employer contains "an explicit threat" of blackmail.

Mr Patten says he "does not accept" he has made a mistake in his findings.

Ms Whaitiri says she has "fully cooperated" with the investigation and will take action to improve.

"I have accepted the Prime Minister's decision and I intend to work hard to regain her confidence," she said in a statement.

"As noted I contested some of the allegations. However I am disappointed my behaviour led to a complaint. I am committed to my own development, including better managing employment relationships."

The Prime Minister's office says Jacinda Ardern has said all she intends to say on the issue.

Newshub.