Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says he would not personally have chosen the former head of Work and Income, Christine Rankin, as a Families Commissioner.
The Labour Party is questioning why the Maori Party's other co-leader, Tariana Turia, allowed herself to be part of a cabinet committee that recommended Ms Rankin's appointment.
Pita Sharples was not on the cabinet committee and is not bound by its decision.
He told Morning Report he has reservations about Ms Rankin's past criticisms of Maori, saying she has been on a crusade to pronounce Maori as the ultimate culprits in child abuse.
Dr Sharples says Ms Rankin will have to move a long way to gain his confidence.
